Antarctic Regional Synopsis
Regional charts and associated synopsis write-up capture ice and environmental conditions throughout the Antarctic which are based on the U.S. National Ice Center’s weekly analysis. Charts and synopses are updated weekly on Fridays.
Amery Region
In the Amery sea, ice is flowing much faster in areas adjacent to the coast than in areas towards the middle of the ice pack. Young ice is continuing to develop into first year ice. With temperatures well below freezing, the ice edge expanded northward and the ice at the edge increased in concentration. New areas of fast ice developed along the coast.
Amundsen Sea
A procession of cyclones has expanded the ice edge across the sea, though this effect is limited in the central region. Cold temperatures have lead to the fasting of more ice along the coast, the continued development of the main ice pack, and rapid freezing of the small areas of blow out along the coast.
Bellingshausen Sea
Temperatures have dropped below zero over the past two weeks, allowing for quick new ice growth, up to 90NM in some areas. These cold temperatures have also allowed for the thickening of younger ice into first year ice closer to the coast.
Ross Sea
Ice growth continues throughout the Ross sea with the ice edge extending up to 96NM compared to last analysis. Most fast ice remained consistent with new and young ice growth and development.
Weddell Sea East
Southerly winds have delivered frigid temperatures across the sea. This has extended the ice edge outward by both advection and freezing. After a brief reprieve due to northerly prevailing winds along the coast, katabatic blow out events have restarted and have begun generating new ice along ice shelves.
Weddell Sea West
Southerly winds have delivered frigid temperatures across the sea. This has extended the ice edge outward by both advection and freezing. After a brief reprieve due to northerly prevailing winds along the coast, katabatic blow out events have restarted and have begun generating new ice along ice shelves.
Wilkes Land Region
The ice in the Wilkes Land region is continuing to grow. Ice in the western portion of the region is rapidly moving to the west, while the area behind it quickly refroze. The ice in the coastal areas toward the eastern portion of the region remained more stationary, but expanded and thickened. The central portion of the ice pack moved to the west and north. The ice along the edge increased in concentration.
