Scientists have been puzzled by the Maud Rise ice gap for years, as it forms in open ocean far away from coastal winds. Discovered in 1974 and 1976 in the Weddell Sea, Antarctica, this mysterious gap reappears periodically in different sizes but can disappear for years at a time. Despite extensive research, the exact conditions that lead to its formation remain unclear.
Recent advances in technology and data collection have provided scientists with new insights into this enigmatic phenomenon. In 2016 and 2017, an 80,000 square kilometer hole opened up for several weeks during both winters, offering researchers a rare opportunity to study it more closely and potentially solve the mystery.
A postdoctoral researcher at the University of Southampton, Aditya Narayanan and his colleagues have published new research in the journal Science Advances that sheds light on the Maud Rise ice gap’s formation. They found that while most sea ice forms during the polar night when strong continental winds push ice blocks apart, creating ice holes known as polynyas, the Maud Rise ice gap forms away from coastal winds.
To understand this mysterious formation process, researchers studied data from satellites, automated buoys, tagged marine mammals, and historical observations from other scientists. They discovered that in 2016 and 2017, the Weddell Gyre – a circular current in the Weddell Sea – was stronger than in previous years. This stronger current allowed underwater currents to bring salt and heat closer to the surface, ultimately leading to the formation of the Maud Rise ice gap.
This discovery provides important insights into how climate change may influence the formation of future ice holes in Antarctica. Understanding Antarctica’s impact on global climate is crucial for developing effective strategies to mitigate its effects on our planet’s environment and ecosystems.
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