Scientists Finally Decode Arctic And Antarctic Sea Ice Change Mystery

A collaboration between NASA and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has finally revealed why there is a difference between the sea ice change of Arctic and Antarctic.

The study conducted by both the agencies looked at the reasons behind the cause of 'stark contrast between Arctic and Antarctic sea ice change." Using bathymetric data, temperature and topographical data, the researchers went on to examine the factors that preserve the Antarctic ice. The formation and movement of the Antarctic sea ice was tracked with the help of NASA's QuikScat satellite, which was launched back in 1999.

The team found that the primary reason behind ice formation and sustenance of ice in Antarctic attributes to continental surface features and local ocean depth. These features tend to impact the ocean current and wind in the ocean.

However, the situation is different for the Arctic. There, existing conditions facilitate the melting of ice in the north.

The researchers thus concluded that the sustenance and production of ice in the Antarctic is purely because of the geological and physical conditions that exist in the region. These conditions are in complete contrast to the ones that exist in the Arctic region.

Previous estimates show that the ice in the Arctic has thinned by almost 65 percent between 1975 and 2012 because of global warming. The ice melting has particularly affected the North Pole and the reduction in sea ice is a big matter of concern for the scientists. What is more concerning is that in the recent year, the Arctic sea ice is recorded to be at its all time low.

While the collaborative effort made by NASA and NOAA has finally revealed why the difference between the sea ice in the Arctic and Antarctic exist, further studies are expected to reveal about the extent of growth or shrinkage of ice in the near future.