The Maud Rise ice gap, located in the Weddell Sea in Antarctica, has puzzled scientists for years. Discovered in 1974 and 1976, this open water area surrounded by sea ice has reappeared in different sizes in the same location, only to disappear for years at a time. The exact conditions for the hole to form have been unclear, leading to confusion in the scientific community.
In 2016 and 2017, the hole reappeared for several weeks during both winters, providing researchers with an opportunity to learn more and potentially solve the mystery. New research published in the journal Science Advances by postdoctoral researcher Aditya Narayanan and colleagues at the University of Southampton sheds light on this phenomenon.
Sea ice in Antarctica undergoes expansion during the transition from summer to winter, covering a significant portion of the Earth’s surface. Most sea ice forms during the polar night, on the floating ice shelves surrounding the continent. Ice holes, known as polynyas, typically form due to strong continental winds pushing ice blocks apart, leading to further freezing of seawater within these gaps.
However, the Maud Rise ice gap is located away from coastal winds, making it less likely for ice holes to form. The researchers found that in 2016 and 2017, the Weddell Gyre circular current in the Weddell Sea was stronger than in other years, allowing underwater currents to bring salt and heat closer to the surface. This created a spiral effect around the Maud Rise submarine mountain, causing salt water to rise to the surface and form the ice gap.
This new discovery is crucial in understanding Antarctica and its global impact on the ocean. With climate change making winds stronger from the continent, there could be an increase in the formation of ice holes in the future. Additionally, 40% of global ocean water originates from the Antarctic coast, emphasizing the importance of this region in regulating the climate of Earth’s different regions.