What Exactly Is This Hole the Size of New Zealand Doing in the Ice in Antarctic?

Amaze Lab

Since 1974 a particular area of ice in Antarctica has been a mystery to scientists. That’s because periodically a hole would form in the ice, despite temperatures in the surrounding air and water remaining in freezing temperatures.

Transcript

00:00Since 1974, a particular area of ice in Antarctica has been a mystery to scientists.

00:09That's because, periodically, a hole would form in that ice,

00:12despite temperatures in the surrounding air and water remaining in freezing temperatures.

00:17Now experts say they finally have a clue as to why the hole appears on the regular.

00:21Researchers used a series of instruments, including satellite imagery, floating sea observation devices,

00:27computer simulations and even seals equipped with data gathering devices,

00:31finding that Antarctic winds were actually dragging layers of water,

00:34twisting horizontal currents as their depth changed.

00:36This is called the Ekman spiral.

00:38And experts say this phenomenon is likely why there was enough warmth in this particular spot

00:43to forge a hole in this otherwise cold area.

00:46When this particular recurring hole was initially observed, it was around the size of the country of New Zealand.

00:51It recurred for a couple of years before becoming much smaller in size and even disappearing for a while.

00:56But it came back in full force in 2016 and 2017.

00:59For years it was a mystery, because as sea ice melts, the surface of the water becomes less salty.

01:04This should cause the water to freeze more easily, rather than producing a hole.

01:08Which is why scientists were so mystified as to why this giant sea hole kept coming back.

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