Over time, the warm deep water destroyed a protective layer of cold water, known as the “winter water layer”, that previously protected Antarctic sea ice from heat trapped in the ocean depths. (Image: New York Times) Scientists believe they have finally solved one of the biggest mysteries of modern climate science: why Antarctica’s sea ice suddenly began to collapse after decades of relative stability. During the 2000s and early 2010s, Antarctica appeared unusually resistant to global warming.

While Arctic sea ice declined rapidly, Antarctic sea ice remained relatively stable and, in some years, even increased slightly. But in 2015 the trend suddenly reversed.

Sea ice levels around the frozen continent began to decline dramatically, eventually reaching a record low in 2023. Now, a new study published in Science Advances shows that researchers have identified the series of events responsible for the rapid decline.