A new record low of Antarctic sea ice extent in 2023 and its climatic significance
In contrast to the modest growth trend sustained for decades,Antarctic sea ice has declined dramatically in recent years.The Antarctic sea ice extent(SIE)dropped to a new low of 178.8 million square kilometers in February 2023,following the previous record low set in 2022.This makes the first time in observation history that the Antarctic SIE has reached two consecutive record lows.Studies have identified several factors contributing to this new records,including the initially low SIE values,elevated atmospheric and oceanic temperatures,excessive net solar radiation,anomalous warm flows from mid-latitudes,and the persistent intensity of the Antarctic Oscillation(AAO)and Amundsen Sea Low(ASL).Compared to 2022,the sea ice reduction in the areas such as southeast Weddell Sea and the growth in the areas such as northwest Weddell Sea during the 2023 new low,may be linked to regional atmospheric circulation changes between the two successive February.Further investigation indicates a shift in the trend of oceanic and atmospheric temperatures,as well as Antarctic sea ice,over the past decades,with the most significant and earliest shift observed in surface air temperatures and minimum SIE values during the summer.The recent concecutive new lows in Antarctic SIE,along with increased net solar radiation flux around Antarctica,may indicate the a long-term reversal in the Antarctic sea ice trend,potentially impacting future Antarctic and global climates.
Antarctic sea iceNew record lowAntarctic climateGlobal warmingTrend change
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