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Antarctica: Massive polynya the size of Portugal discovered in Breid Bay
In August 2024, a massive open water area, known as a polynya, was discovered in the Breid Bay region of East Antarctica. Satellite imagery revealed the opening reached a peak size of 89,121 square kilometers, an area comparable to the size of Portugal.
An Indian research team, led by geoscientist Jeebanjyoti Swain, determined that the phenomenon was caused by a combination of extreme weather and oceanic processes. The study, published in Geophysical Research Letters, identified six powerful atmospheric rivers that transported significant amounts of warm, moist air from lower latitudes to the Antarctic region during July and August.
These atmospheric rivers, alongside marine heatwaves, prevented the formation of sea ice. Additionally, strong winds triggered Ekman suction, a process that brought warmer, deep circumpolar water to the ocean surface. Researchers warn that climate change may lead to these types of polynya events occurring more frequently in the future.
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Antarctica · Breid Bay · Geophysical Research Letters · Jeebanjyoti Swain · Jibandjoti Swain
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- [● 6 SOURCES] Satellite imagery revealed a massive open water area, known as a polynya, in the Breid Bay region of East Antarctica. www.origo.hu · klik.hr · lat.sputnikportal.rs · www.kurir.rs · promotions.hu · +1 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] The polynya reached a maximum size of 89,121 square kilometers during August 2024. www.origo.hu · klik.hr · lat.sputnikportal.rs · www.kurir.rs · promotions.hu · +1 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] Six strong atmospheric rivers transported warm, moist air to the Antarctic region between July and August 2024. www.origo.hu · klik.hr · lat.sputnikportal.rs · www.kurir.rs · promotions.hu · +1 more
- [● 4 SOURCES] Scientists predict that such polynya events may become more frequent due to climate change. www.origo.hu · lat.sputnikportal.rs · www.kurir.rs · www.sd.rs
- [● 3 SOURCES] Strong winds caused Ekman suction, bringing warmer deep circumpolar water to the surface. www.origo.hu · www.kurir.rs · www.sd.rs
- [● 6 SOURCES] An Indian research team led by geoscientist Jeebanjyoti Swain investigated the cause of the polynya. www.origo.hu · klik.hr · lat.sputnikportal.rs · www.kurir.rs · promotions.hu · +1 more
- [● 4 SOURCES] Marine heatwaves also contributed to the prevention of sea ice formation. www.origo.hu · klik.hr · www.kurir.rs · www.sd.rs