The first days of spring in the Antarctic: for over a month, the island of Galindez has been almost completely packed with ice
We already have good news about the past winter, say the researchers : sea ice has formed near “Vernadsky Station (WAP UKR-Ø1)” ; our polar explorers reported that since August 5, they cannot go out into the ocean by boat, because the water area around Galindez Island, where the Station is located, is packed with ice.
“Yesterday, we looked at satellite images, and there was 100 km of ice around,” says Vitaly Kaminsky, a participant of the 29th UAE. What the station looks like in ice captivity, see in incredible pictures from a drone. For comparison, last year 2023 there was almost no sea ice in our region, and the year itself became a record for the minimum amount of such ice in the Antarctic for the entire time of observations.
Sea ice plays an important role in the Antarctic ecosystem. It acts as a “blanket” that separates the ocean from the atmosphere. In addition to blocking sunlight from entering the water and reflecting it, the ice also traps the heat in the ocean, preventing it from heating the air.
The ice floes are the birthplace of seal cubs, rest and travels of various types of adult seals and emperor penguins.
By the way, very soon we expect the appearance of Weddell seal pups near “Vernadsky“.
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TNX Dr. Vitaly Kaminsky for the pic and information