Scientists have set out to find out why. Studies on the Southern Ocean has led to the understanding that winds and water currents are moving in a way that is conducive to the recent changes.
Geology of the area has also come into play. NASA conducted studies that included the sea depth, landform, and surface temperature. Geophysical realities are different in Antarctica than they are in the Arctic. The combination of the land formation and the depth of the sea make or a conducive atmosphere to the maintaining of the ice in the Antarctic. The total of about 112 billion tons of ice has been added each year in Antarctica between the years of 1992 and 2013.
NASA satellite has captured images of the sea ice forming, and as the ice builds up, it is forced off of the shore by winds. This movement allows for the older ice to form a protective buffer around the new ice. The elements do not reach the new ice and this older ice circles the continent.
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The Antarctic is adding significantly more ice than is lost each year. The band of ice can vary in some places from 62-620 miles. Also taken into consideration are the surface temperatures and the Southern Antarctic Circumpolar Current. This special current occurs where the warm and cold water separates, keeping them from coming together. This phenomenon of ongoing ice production and maintenance probably also affected by tectonic plates in various places. The plates that meet underwater can form ridges that affect water movement.
Many different features are connected to form the perfect environment for the Antarctic ice to continue production. This increase is a response to many natural events unique to the area. More studies will have to be done to understand the complete process and to watch for changes in the future. Nature has a way of surprising us every time.
