The 2019/2020 summer of Antarctic heatwaves

Authors

Sharon A. Robinson, University of WollongongFollow
Andrew Klekociuk
Diana H. King, University of WollongongFollow
Marisol Pizarro Rojas
Gustavo E. Zuniga
Dana M. Bergstrom

RIS ID

142354

Publication Details

Robinson, S. A., Klekociuk, A. R., King, D. H., Pizarro Rojas, M., Zuniga, G. E. & Bergstrom, D. M. (2020). The 2019/2020 summer of Antarctic heatwaves. Global Change Biology, Online First 1-3.

Abstract

This summer, a heatwave across Antarctica saw temperatures soar above average. Temperatures above zero are especially significant because they accelerate ice melt. Casey Station had its highest temperature ever, reaching a maximum of 9.2°C and minimum of 2.5°C. The highest temperature in Antarctica was 20.75°C on 9 February. Here we discuss the biological implications of such extreme events.