Antarctic Sea-Ice Hits Seventh Lowest Record, Impacting Ice Shelves and Ecosystems

Edited by: Inna Horoshkina One

A recent study reveals a concerning decline in Antarctic sea-ice, with the 2025 minimum reaching 1.87 million km², the seventh lowest on record. This represents an 8% decrease compared to the 1993-2010 average. The diminishing sea-ice is a critical issue.

The Thwaites Ice Shelf, known as the "Doomsday Glacier," has lost 70% of its mass since 1997, releasing approximately 4.1 trillion tons of ice into the Amundsen Sea. This loss highlights the importance of ice shelves in regulating sea levels and the impact of sea-ice reduction.

The decline also disrupts the Antarctic ecosystem, particularly affecting species like emperor penguins and Weddell seals, which depend on stable sea-ice for breeding. The ongoing reduction in Antarctic sea-ice has significant implications for ice shelf stability, global sea levels, and the health of Antarctic marine ecosystems.

Sources

  • Nature

  • Mercator Ocean International: Antarctic Sea Ice Bulletin March 2025

  • AP News: Scientists count huge melts in many protective Antarctic ice shelves. Trillions of tons of ice lost.

  • Australian Antarctic Program: Antarctic sea ice in crisis

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