BARROW, Alaska -
Satellite measurements over the past 20 years show the changing wind patterns around Antarctica are leading to more sea ice, not less according to Paul Holland at the British Antarctic Survey. As the weather and climate continues to evolve so are the wind fields around Antarctica.
Along some parts of the land mass winds are pushing from the tropics towards the land mass which is leading to retreating glaciers and lower sea ice. Other areas near Antarctica are seeing a rapid increase in sea ice, but the overall average in the Antarctic is a growing sea ice pack compared to a rapid decrease in sea ice in the Arctic. The sea ice this past September hit a record low in the Arctic. Ironically at the same time, record low temperatures were taking place in Antarctica. Holland is quick to point out the Arctic is losing sea ice at a much faster rate than the Antarctic is gaining it. So the overall net results for the earth are fewer glaciers and sea ice pack.