(ORDO News) — Every year Antarctica looks less and less recognizable. Recent discoveries by scientists indicate dramatic changes in this snow-covered continent, which could have serious consequences for the planet’s ecosystem and climate.
On land in Antarctica, scientists have discovered that flowering plants, moss and algae are more widespread than ever before. At sea, the extent of floating sea ice has reached a record low.
These changes coincided with rising summer temperatures, with researchers at the University of Washington (UW) recording the largest heat wave ever to hit Antarctica. The results of the corresponding study were published in Geophysical Research Letters.
In March 2022, temperatures near the south pole were 39°C above normal for three consecutive days, peaking at -10°C, considered the world‘s hottest temperature extreme. This incredible rise in temperature across the continent has caused concern among scientists.
Weather expert Edward Blanchard-Wrigglesworth says moments like these make it clear that Antarctica is no longer immune to the global climate crisis.
To determine how much of the recent heat wave in Antarctica is linked to climate change, scientists used a “story approach” to their research. The results showed that climate change has increased heat waves by 2°C over the last century, and the equivalent heat wave in 2096 would be another 6°C warmer compared to 2022.
This future scenario could bring March temperatures in Antarctica dangerously close to the melting point, affecting the continent’s vast ice masses.
Currently, Antarctica and its associated islands are covered in permanent snow and ice, with only about a percent of the land suitable for flowering plants. However, with warmer springs and summers, such plants have flourished, with growth rates increasing by 20 percent or more from 2009 to 2018.
According to forecasts , by the end of the century on the Antarctic Peninsula, the area of ice-free land where plants will settle will increase threefold. This could lead to irreversible loss of biodiversity, as new species of plants and animals could threaten existing ecosystems.
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News agencies contributed to this report, edited and published by ORDO News editors.
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