Why is it that in late August, the amout of sea ice surrounding the continent of Antarctica approaches its greatest extent? And why is it that in February, the sea ice surrounding Anarctica is at it's minimum extent?
Good Lord. When is Summer in the Antartic?
I don't know..I think it's supposed to be switched in the southern hemisphere, so december?
what discovery showed that atoms are not the smallest particles?
Angie, yes, summer and winter are "reversed" in Antarctica.
Gabriel, you should post your own question instead of piggy backing on someone else's. And atoms are not the smallest particles: atoms consist of subatomic particles called protons, neutrons, and electrons, and the first two of those are composed of even smaller particles called quarks. Are you sure your question is quoted exactly as in the original?
thanks
The seasonal variation in sea ice extent around Antarctica is primarily influenced by two factors: oceanic and atmospheric conditions. To understand why the amount of sea ice surrounding Antarctica is at its greatest extent in late August and its minimum extent in February, we need to delve into these factors.
1. Oceanic conditions:
a. Circumpolar Current: The Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica is encircled by a powerful current called the Circumpolar Current. During the austral summer (December to February), this current brings relatively warmer waters from the north, which inhibits sea ice formation and reduces the ice extent.
b. Upwelling: In the austral winter (June to August), the Circumpolar Current plays a significant role in upwelling of colder, nutrient-rich waters from the depths. This leads to a cooling effect on the surface waters, promoting sea ice formation and increasing the ice extent.
2. Atmospheric conditions:
a. Polar Vortex: In the austral winter, a complex atmospheric circulation pattern known as the polar vortex dominates over Antarctica. This vortex traps the cold air mass, allowing the sea surface temperatures to drop significantly and favoring the expansion of sea ice.
b. Seasonal Warming: As the austral summer progresses, the polar vortex weakens, and warmer air masses gradually move into the region. This leads to a decrease in sea ice extent as the ice starts to melt and break apart.
To summarize, the expansion of sea ice around Antarctica in late August can be attributed to the combination of colder oceanic conditions due to upwelling of deep, nutrient-rich waters along with atmospheric circulation patterns that promote sea ice growth. Conversely, the reduction in sea ice extent in February is influenced by warmer oceanic conditions due to the influx of warmer waters from the north, along with weakening atmospheric patterns that favor ice melting.