Why Antarctic Sea Ice Suddenly Collapsed After Decades of Growth

Antarctic sea ice decline in 2015 was caused by weakening ocean stratification and strong storms that mixed warm deep water upward, melting ice quickly. Antarctic sea ice is vital to both the region’s ecosystem and its physical environment, as well as the broader Southern Ocean. By reflecting sunlight and limiting heat exchange between the ocean [...]

from SciTechDaily https://ift.tt/0aAQtHR