The amount of summer sea ice found in the Weddell Sea area of Antarctica has reduced by 386,102 square miles (1 million sq km) in the past five years. Through the spring and summer, the sea ice almost completely melts in most parts of the Antarctic, with only the Weddell Sea retaining a significant amount. This contributed to the overall decline in sea ice extent, researchers said. This recent rapid sea ice loss is affecting both the Weddell Sea ecosystem and the wider Antarctic wildlife/plants and animals, the team said. Because of the large year-to-year variability in Antarctic sea ice extent the scientists cannot be sure if the ice in the Weddell Sea will recover in the short-term or whether they are seeing the start of the expected long-term decline of sea ice.

Source: Daily Mail June 17, 2020 15:52 UTC