Since satellite records of sea ice began in the 1970s, the world’s poles have shown a contrasting picture. While Arctic sea ice levels have fallen steadily over the past few decades, Antarctic sea ice levels have shown a less clear trend; increasing for several decades before falling to new lows in the last few years.
Now, a study offers a new theory that could help explain Antarctic sea ice changes. It suggests that, for the last few decades, natural fluctuations could have trapped heat deep in the Southern Ocean – leaving surface water relatively cool and helping to preserve the ice.
Full article below.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-018-0350-3