Scientists Explain Massive Antarctic Polynya That Opened in August 2024

In August 2024, a polynya roughly 89,100 square kilometers opened in Breid Bay off East Antarctica, a region covered by sea ice since 1979. Research in Geophysical Research Letters links it to six atmospheric rivers and upwelling of warm deep water.

• The polynya peaked on August 8, 2024, at about 89,100 square kilometers
• Six atmospheric rivers in July–August 2024 were identified as a key cause
• Strong winds drove warm deep water up toward the surface
• Researchers expect more such polynyas as climate change strengthens atmospheric rivers