Unprecedented Cold Spells in Antarctica: A 2023 Study Contrasts with Global Heat Records

The study conducted in 2023 documented unprecedented cold spells in Antarctica, which stood in stark contrast to the global heat records that year. The research, published in the scientific journal Advances in Atmospheric Sciences, shed light on the extreme cold events that occurred on the continent during the late winter months of July and August.

Researchers noted record-breaking low temperatures across various regions of Antarctica, including East Antarctica, the Ross Ice Shelf, West Antarctica, and the Antarctic Peninsula. The Kunlun Station recorded its lowest temperature ever observed at -79.4°C, which was significantly lower than the monthly average. Interestingly, while Antarctica experienced extreme cold, South America was facing record-breaking high temperatures, highlighting the complex and interconnected nature of global climate patterns.

The study identified four distinct cold phases from mid-July to the end of August 2023, with mid-tropospheric atmospheric conditions playing a crucial role in the observed extreme cold temperatures. These conditions disrupted essential flight operations to key research stations, posing risks of hydraulic failure and fuel gelling in aircraft.

Lead author David E. Mikolajczyk emphasized the significance of understanding these extreme cold events for improving operational safety in Antarctica. The study, conducted by an international team of scientists, utilized data from the UW Madison Antarctic Meteorological Research and Data Center (AMRDC) AWS program and the State Key Laboratory of Severe Weather AWS program for event analysis.

The findings underscore the importance of studying atmospheric environments that lead to extreme cold temperatures and highlight the need for better preparation for future challenges in Antarctic logistics. The research provides valuable insights for enhancing the safety and efficiency of operations in the region.

Reference:
“Extreme Antarctic Cold of Late Winter 2023” by Anastasia J. Tomanek, David E. Mikolajczyk, Matthew A. Lazzara, Stefano Di Battista, Minghu Ding, Mariana Fontolan Litell, David H. Bromwich, Taylor P. Norton, Linda M. Keller, and Lee J. Welhouse, published on June 13, 2024, in Advances in Atmospheric Sciences. DOI: 10.1007/s00376-024-4139-1.