In: Other
How can an increase in temperature lead to more ice? How long has this been happening/since when?
Yes, it is true that the production of ice has increased despite
the fact that the temperature of the southern ocean is gradually
increasing. There are many factors responsible for this phenomenon.
One of the main factors for more ice despite the increase in
temperature is the Ozone layer depletion over Antarctica. This has
lead to the cooling of the stratosphere. (Gillet 2003) This creates
cyclone winds that push the ice of the sea around and make polynyas
which eventually leads to more ice production. Another reason is
the shift in ocean circulation.
In brief, the southern ocean is showing more ice production despite
the increase in temperature.
According to oceanographic data, The temperature of the southern ocean has increased by .068 degree C from 1960 to 2000 between depth from 300 to 1000 meters. There is also an increase in the warming trend to .098 degree C/decade since the 1980s. (Boning 2008)