Analysis of the Unprecedented Reduction in Antarctic Sea Ice During the Years 2022–2023

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Abstract

This study analyses the unprecedented decline in Antarctic sea ice extent during 2022 and 2023. The results reveal that the minimum records in Antarctic sea ice, observed in both summer (February) and winter (September), display inhomogeneous spatial patterns and may be linked to intricate air-sea interactions, including internal climate variability and changes in wind patterns. Events such as the positive Southern Annular Mode, intensification of the Amundsen Sea Low, and La Niña played a critical role during September 2022, driving atmospheric and oceanic conditions that enhanced reduction and limited ice formation, particularly in the Weddell and Amundsen Seas. Conversely, in September 2023, characterised by a negative Southern Annular Mode, a weakened Amundsen Sea Low, and El Niño conditions, the Ross Sea exhibits pronounced negative sea ice concentration anomalies. The results suggest that internal climate variability can contribute to changes in Antarctic sea ice, primarily through wind pattern variations associated with changes in the Amundsen Sea Low. However, the recent decline of Antarctic sea ice remains a subject of debate and lacks conclusive answers.