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Unprecedented springtime retreat of Antarctic sea ice in 2016
Author(s) -
Turner John,
Phillips Tony,
Marshall Gareth J.,
Hosking J. Scott,
Pope James O.,
Bracegirdle Thomas J.,
Deb Pranab
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1002/2017gl073656
Subject(s) - geology , antarctic sea ice , sea ice , oceanography , arctic ice pack , spring (device) , fast ice , ice shelf , climatology , cryosphere , weddell sea bottom water , ice stream , mechanical engineering , engineering
During austral spring 2016 Antarctic sea ice extent (SIE) decreased at a record rate of 75 × 10 3 km 2 d −1 , which was 46% faster than the mean rate and 18% faster than in any previous spring season during the satellite era. The decrease of sea ice area was also exceptional and 28% greater than the mean. Anomalous negative retreat occurred in all sectors of the Antarctic but was greatest in the Weddell and Ross Seas. Record negative SIE anomalies for the day of year were recorded from 3 November 2016 to 9 April 2017. Rapid ice retreat in the Weddell Sea took place in strong northerly flow after an early maximum ice extent in late August. Rapid ice retreat occurred in November in the Ross Sea when surface pressure was at a record high level, with the Southern Annular Mode at its most negative for that month since 1968.