Antarctic sea ice extent remains low compared with the 1981-2010 median extent. This image shows the mean from 1989-93, the extent on 20 November 2017 and the difference between the two. Red colours imply that there is a decreased sea ice extent compared with the mean.
And obvious low region is the vicinity of the Weddell Sea Polynya. I have written about the polynya this season on 17 September and 25 September, as well showing how it developed through the winter on 11 September 2017.
Something exciting is happening in the ocean under the polynya, and based on new data sources such as the SOCCOM buoy that surfaced in the polynya:
Last month, SOCCOM scientists were astonished to discover that a float in the Weddell Sea had surfaced inside the polynya, making contact with satellites in the dead of winter. Its new ocean measurements, transmitted when it surfaced, are being analyzed as part of a study in preparation on Weddell Sea polynyas. With these new observations comes the possibility that the polynya’s secrets may finally be revealed.
We should expect some exciting research articles soon.
Sea ice extent currently ~1.2 million km2 low
The overall sea ice extent is currently ~1.2 million km2 below 1981-2010 median extent. This sounds a lot.
But at this time of the year the Antarctic sea ice is about to dramatically fall as spring develops. If spring "arrives" early then the extent will - as we see, be relatively low.
Whilst the full on development and opening of the Weddell / Maud Rise Polynya is unusual, if you compare the sea ice on 18 November 2017 with the extent from the same day on 1989-1995 it is clear that the extent is often lower over Maud Rise, at this time.
I will keep watching the sea ice as the summer season develops
** UPDATED 20th November 2017 replacing the first figure from 17 November to 20 November.