According to a statement by the National Snow and Ice Data Centre, the Antarctic Sea ice extent has reportedly surpassed its previous year’s record low. the National Snow and Ice Data Centre has also recorded it earlier than when it did last year.
The size of the Antarctic sea ice was 1.91 million square kilometers on February 13, 2023, as per reports. Thus, this created a new record low, for Antarctica. Therefore, surpassing the old mark of 1.92 million square kilometers recorded on February 25, 2022.
Thus, this year marks just the second time in history for the low record Antarctica. The extension of the Antarctic has decreased below 2 million square kilometers till now.
However, the extent is anticipated to decrease far further before reaching its annual minimum. Thus, according to research few more weeks of the melt season possibly remain.
The research states, a large portion of the Antarctic coast is ice-free. It is exposing the ice shelves that surround the ice sheet to wave action and warmer weather.
Thus, Throughout the past several years, there has been a lot of fluctuation in the Antarctic Sea ice. While the lowest extent for 2022 and 2023 was at an all-time low, four of the top five minimums have happened since 2008, according to NSIDC.
