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
Seasonal warming is causing melt throughout much of the area, while temperatures near the coast promote refreeze. Overall, conditions for sea ice are degrading and the densest parts of the pack ice are beginning to loosen up.
Amundsen Sea
With warmer temperatures reaching the coast, the polynyas that are opening are mostly open water. Though temperatures have moderated, the ice edge remains stable, but is becoming less consolidated.
Bellingshausen Sea
Most of the mobile ice has compacted against the shore. This has resulted in a contraction of the ice edge of up to 130 NM.
Ross Sea
Significant ice growth is slowing down along the coast and central area of the sea. Much of the sea ice drifted to the east over the last two weeks, with some sheering taking place in the top central area of the Ross. The ice edge continues to diminish as warmer temperatures encroach farther south.
Weddell Sea East
Temperatures towards the ice edge are hovering at or just below freezing for the past 5 days helping deteriorate the edge. Pack ice is also starting to break up in the area as well.
Weddell Sea West
Temperatures towards the ice edge are hovering at or just below freezing for the past 5 days helping deteriorate the edge. Pack ice is also starting to break up in the area as well.
Wilkes Land Region
Seasonal warming is promoting melt along the ice edge, areas within the ice pack and near the coast. The melt that is occurring is impacting the thinner younger ice first leaving a higher concentration of multiyear pack ice.
