In 2016 and 2017, a massive polynya, or open water area, appeared in the Weddell Sea of Antarctica, spanning over 40,000 square kilometers. This phenomenon, roughly the size of Switzerland, persisted for weeks, puzzling scientists.
A recent study published in Science Advances identifies the mechanisms behind the Maud Rise polynya's formation. Warm, salty water rising from the ocean floor melted the sea ice from below, amplified by turbulent eddies and wind-driven currents.
This research highlights the crucial role of polynyas in regulating ocean circulation and the importance of studying Antarctica to understand climate change impacts on marine ecosystems.