Synergistic atmosphere-ocean-ice influences have driven the 2023 all-time Antarctic sea-ice record low

Antarctic sea ice extent (SIE) reached a record low in February 2023. This study examines the coupled ocean-atmosphere-sea ice system's evolution in the preceding 12 months using observations, reanalyses, and a regional ocean-sea ice model. Consistently low SIE, rapid sea ice retreat in December 2022, and nearly circumpolar negative SIE anomalies in February 2023 were observed. The study highlights the synergistic effects of atmospheric and oceanic processes, particularly a deepened Amundsen Sea Low (ASL) and associated winds, in driving the record low. Preceding spring conditions, including a persistent ASL, triggered positive ice-albedo feedback, leading to significant sea ice loss in the Amundsen-Ross Sea.

Jinféi Wang, François Massonnet, Hugues Goosse, Hao Luo, Antoine Barthélémy, Qinghua Yang