A hole the size of Switzerland has formed in the Antarctic ice: why is it dangerous.

A large crack similar in size to Switzerland has been discovered in the Antarctic sea ice - Maud Rise. According to the publication Earth, scientists from the University of Southampton and NASA investigated the causes of such a crack. They monitored it until the ice refroze. The research results showed that the crack allows the ocean to release heat and gases. Such openings occur in Antarctica when the balance between saline and fresh water in the ocean is disturbed. Scientists concluded that Maud Rise formed due to powerful storms, atmospheric rivers, and a transport effect known as Ekman transport. These phenomena affect not only Antarctica but the entire world. They change water circulation, heat transfer, and contribute to the formation of dense, oxygen-rich waters. The recurrence of such cracks is associated with climate change. Since 2016, there has been a decrease in Antarctic sea ice, which happened for the first time since the 1970s. Previously, scientists predicted that this year would be one of the hottest in history.