Antarctica’s west coast missing an area of sea ice the size of France as temperatures peak 20C above average
Antarctica's Bellingshausen Sea is experiencing a record loss of sea ice, with an area the size of France currently missing. Scientists attribute this to extreme regional heatwaves and express concern over the long-term environmental impact.
Why it matters
The rapid loss of Antarctic sea ice is a major indicator of climate change and poses risks to marine ecosystems and global sea levels.
The Bellingshausen Sea is 650,000 sq kms of sea ice compared with the 1991 – 2010 average. Photograph: Alex Ingle/Schmidt Ocean Institute View image in fullscreen The Bellingshausen Sea is 650,000 sq kms of sea ice compared with the 1991 – 2010 average. Photograph: Alex Ingle/Schmidt Ocean Institute Antarctica Antarctica’s west coast missing an area of sea ice the size of France as temperatures peak 20C above average Exclusive A vast area of the Bellingshausen Sea should be covered by sea ice by now, with one expert calling the loss of ice ‘depressing’
The report relies on scientific observations and expert testimony to describe environmental changes.
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