The Maud Rise ice gap has been a perplexing puzzle for scientists for decades. Located in the open ocean away from coastal winds, this mysterious hole forms in different sizes and can disappear for years at a time. Discovered in the Weddell Sea, Antarctica, in 1974 and 1976, the Maud Rise ice gap remains an enigma to this day.
However, recent research published in the journal Science Advances by postdoctoral researcher Aditya Narayanan and colleagues at the University of Southampton provides new insights into this elusive phenomenon. Using data from satellites, automated buoys, tagged marine mammals, and historical observations from other scientists, researchers found that in 2016 and 2017, the Weddell Gyre, a circular current in the Weddell Sea, was stronger than ever before.
This stronger current allowed underwater currents to bring salt and heat closer to the surface, ultimately leading to the formation of the Maud Rise ice gap. By studying how saltwater circulated around the Maud Rise submarine mountain due to stronger currents, researchers were able to unravel some of the factors that contribute to its formation. This knowledge is crucial for understanding Antarctica’s broader impact on the global ocean and how climate change may influence the formation of ice holes like Maud Rise in the future.
Antarctica plays a significant role in regulating the climate of regions worldwide as 40% of global ocean water originates from its coastline. As such, studying phenomena like Maud Rise can provide valuable insights into how climate change may affect our planet’s oceans and ecosystems in years to come.