Sydney
Antarctic sea ice reached a record low in early September, according to Australian scientists. On September 7, sea ice extent in Antarctica was recorded at 17.0 million square kilometers, marking the lowest level since satellite records began. The previous record low for winter was 17.1 million square kilometers, set in 2023.
Researchers from the Australian Antarctic Program Partnership (AAPP) and the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) reported that the long-term average for this date is 18.4 million square kilometers. This decrease in sea ice indicates a shift in the sea ice system around Antarctica.
Will Hobbs, a sea ice researcher from the AAPP, stated that while summer sea ice in 2024 remained within typical variability, this winter has seen fluctuations similar to the previous year, resulting in a new winter extreme. He also mentioned that the past two years have been the warmest on record globally, with temperatures exceeding pre-industrial levels by over 1.5 degrees Celsius. This warming is now affecting the oceans surrounding Antarctica and is likely contributing to the record low sea ice.
Phil Reid from BoM said that lower Antarctic sea ice coverage may lead to longer summer wet periods and extended dry periods in Australia during winter. The Antarctic winter runs from March to October.
