Decades of expanding sea ice in Antarctica have been wiped out by three years of sudden and dramatic declines, leaving scientist puzzled as to why the region has flipped so abruptly, its lowest point in 40 years.

Melting Antarctic sea ice does not add to sea level rise because the ice is already in the water. However, it is bad for wildlife such as penguins that rely on it. It also contributes to global warming because sea ice reflects much of the sun’s energy back into space, while dark water absorbs it. “The sea ice has a huge impact on climate in that respect,” says NASA. Read more ...

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