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.
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00:00 [Music]
00:03 Since 1974, a particular area of ice in Antarctica has been a mystery to scientists.
00:09 That's because periodically a hole would form in that ice,
00:12 despite temperatures in the surrounding air and water remaining in freezing temperatures.
00:16 Now experts say they finally have a clue as to why the hole appears on the regular.
00:21 Researchers used a series of instruments, including satellite imagery,
00:25 floating sea observation devices, computer simulations,
00:28 and even seals equipped with data gathering devices,
00:30 finding that Antarctic winds were actually dragging layers of water,
00:33 twisting horizontal currents as their depth changed.
00:36 This is called the Ekman spiral, and experts say this phenomenon is likely why there was
00:41 enough warmth in this particular spot to forge a hole in this otherwise cold area.
00:45 When this particular recurring hole was initially observed,
00:48 it was around the size of the country of New Zealand.
00:51 It recurred for a couple of years before becoming much smaller in size,
00:54 and even disappearing for a while. But it came back in full force in 2016 and 2017.
00:59 For years it was a mystery, because as sea ice melts, the surface of the water becomes less salty.
01:04 This should cause the water to freeze more easily, rather than producing a hole,
01:08 which is why scientists were so mystified as to why this giant sea hole kept coming back.
01:13 [Music]