Antarctica's Sea Ice Hits Record Low; Experts Warn of 'Mind-Blowing' Instability and Global Impacts
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Antarctica's sea-ice is at a record winter low according to satellite data, described as "mind-blowing" by an expert.
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Polar experts warn an unstable Antarctica could have far-reaching consequences, as its ice regulates global temperatures.
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Sea-ice extent is 1.5 million sq km below the September average, an area 5 times the size of the British Isles.
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With less sea-ice, more dark ocean is exposed, absorbing heat that melts more ice, called the ice-albedo effect.
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Scientists say the low sea-ice shows how vulnerable Antarctica is to further melting that could disrupt its role in regulating global climate.