Satellite observations revealed a France-sized area of missing winter sea ice in the Bellingshausen Sea due to temperatures 20°C above average
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Climate change & international agreements· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
Satellite observations revealed a France-sized area of missing winter sea ice in the Bellingshausen Sea due to temperatures 20°C above average.
Background
The Bellingshausen Sea off West Antarctica failed to form its usual winter ice cover. This coincides with a record-breaking heatwave on the Antarctic Peninsula, threatening the Thwaites and Pine Island glaciers.
Facts for Prelims
- PlaceBellingshausen Sea: Located off the coast of West Antarctica.
- EnvironmentThwaites and Pine Island Glaciers: Major contributors to global sea-level rise.
- FactAntarctic winter temperatures recorded at 20°C above the historical average.
- S&TAlbedo Effect: Sea ice reflects sunlight; its loss leads to increased solar absorption and further warming.
For Mains
Q. Discuss how the reduction of Antarctic sea ice creates a positive feedback loop in global warming and its implications for coastal geography.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Albedo feedback loop: Reduced ice coverage increases solar radiation absorption, accelerating regional and global warming.
- Glacial instability: Melting of ice shelves like Thwaites accelerates the discharge of land-based glaciers into the ocean.
- Ecosystem disruption: Loss of sea ice habitat impacts penguin breeding and marine biodiversity in the Southern Ocean.
Keywords: Albedo effect · Positive feedback loop · Glacial retreat · Marine biodiversity · Climate anomaly
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