Jakarta –
Climate change causes a global warming phenomenon which has a significant impact on the environment. One of them is the condition of sea ice in Antarctica, which has experienced many changes over time.
It is known that within the Antarctic sea ice there is an expansion of open water areas. This was then researched by scientists led by the University of Otago, New Zealand.
The researchers proved the expansion of open water areas within Antarctic sea ice, known as polynyas. They revealed that this area has the opportunity to develop coastal plants and animals because it can be used as a place to live in the future.
Open Water on Antarctic Sea Ice
In a study published in the international journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, research has understood the location of open waters that could allow coastal species to settle in the future.
Research leader from Otago’s Department of Marine Science, Dr Grant Duffy, found evidence that the polynyas area around Antarctica is experiencing a significant increase. This condition follows an interesting cyclical pattern and causes them to expand and shrink approximately every 16 years.
“This trend is very interesting and we have not noticed it before. We are not entirely sure what drives this cyclical pattern, but the ecological impact could be very large,” he said as quoted by Scitech Daily.
Climate Cycles and Patterns in Antarctica
Dr Duffy’s colleague from Monash University in Australia, Dr Ariaan Purich, also studied the interaction of the ocean with the atmosphere.
He concluded that the cyclical pattern appears to be in line with atmospheric drivers, including the Southern Annular Mode, a climate phenomenon that circles Antarctica and influences the weather in New Zealand and Australia.
“Recently the Antarctic sea ice cover reached a record low due to ocean warming,” said Dr Purich.
“In coastal areas, large-scale atmospheric fluctuations and patterns can interact with changes in ocean conditions, thus shaping the extent of sea ice. These findings provide valuable insights that can help project ice cover on coastal coasts in the future,” he added.
Another researcher, Prof. Ceridwen Fraser said that the research results were also useful for projecting the future of coastal ecosystems in Antarctica as the climate warms.
According to him, there are many non-native plants and animals that can reach Antarctica by, for example, rafting on floating seaweed.
“Now, most of these plants and animals remain because of the erosion of coastal ice. Reduced ice can provide opportunities for coastal plants and animals whose natural ecosystems are affected,” said Prof Fraser.
There’s Still Life Hidden in Global Warming
Reporting from Voyagers, Antarctica is known to have hidden surprises. For example, there are tough mosses that thrive against all odds. Not just one, there are also two native flowering plants that live in this icy desert.
These plants can survive and thrive in this area despite ongoing global warming. In the summer months (December-February), parts of Antarctica experience temperatures above freezing, that is, more than 5 degrees Celsius.
In the Antarctic maritime zone there are blooming plants, such as mosses, liverworts and lichens, consisting of more than 375 species. Each has its own way of surviving extremely cold climates.
Despite the extreme environment, there are two hardy flowering plants in Antarctica, namely Antarctic hair grass (Deschampsia Antarctica) and Antarctic pearlwort (Colobanthus Quitensis). Both have extraordinary abilities to survive.
In the Antarctic oasis, a place that is not exposed to sunlight or certain wind patterns, has succeeded in becoming a place for plants to grow and take root. Like on Mount Everest, there are lichens, the most resilient plant species that can survive cold weather.
However, from many findings, scientists see hidden life visible in Antarctica, namely oases that are able to survive even in times of extreme climate change.
Watch the Video “The Antarctic and Greenland Ice Sheets Are Melting 3 Times Faster”
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2024-03-15 09:30:00
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