A new study reveals that surface waters around Antarctica are growing saltier, not fresher, as sea ice rapidly declines. This unexpected trend, observed since 2015 using ESA’s SMOS satellite, challenges long-standing climate models and raises alarms over a dangerous climate feedback loop.

BulletsIn

• Sea surface salinity rising in Antarctic waters since 2015
• Goes against expectation: melting ice should make surface water fresher
• Over 2 million sq km sea ice lost—area equal to Greenland
• Saltier water allows heat to rise, melting ice from below
• This hinders formation of new sea ice
• Unusual reappearance of Maud Rise polynya after decades signals instability
• Less sea ice = more heat absorbed = faster global warming
• Disrupts ocean currents and global climate balance
• Threatens Antarctic species like penguins, seals losing habitat
• Study by University of Southampton, aided by ESA’s SMOS data and AI tools