Rivers in the sky

 Scientists have discovered that narrow bands of warm moist air, sometimes called rivers in the sky, can melt enormous openings in Antarctic sea ice

. When these powerful streams flow over the continent, they deliver heat and moisture that weaken the ice from above, creating holes far larger than anything formed by ocean currents alone.

Researchers studying satellite images found that some of the biggest holes in the region formed soon after these warm air events. The findings show how the atmosphere can rapidly reshape frozen landscapes, challenging long held assumptions about how Antarctic ice behaves

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Understanding these processes is essential as the climate warms, because changes in sea ice affect global oceans, weather patterns and wildlife that depend on stable ice across the polar world.

Disclaimer: Images are generated using AI for illustration purposes only.