Dominant frazil ice production in the Cape Darnley polynya leading to Antarctic Bottom Water formation

Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW) occupies the abyssal layer of the world ocean and contributes to the global over-turning circulation. It originates from dense shelf water, which forms from brine rejection during sea ice production. An important region of AABW formation has been identified off the Cape Darnley polynya. However, it remains unclear why and how high ice production leads to AABW formation. Using moored acoustic measurements and a satellite microwave algorithm, we reveal that underwater frazil ice dominates in the polynya. This underwater ice formation prevents heat-insulating surface-cover ice forming, thereby enabling efficient ice production. The high ice production in the nearshore and longer residence times create high-salinity source water for the AABW. Underwater frazil ice occurs as long as strong winds continue and occasionally penetrates depths of at least 80 m. Deep-penetrating frazil ice is particularly prominent in this polynya, while it also occurs in other Antarctic coastal polynyas.

Automated summary

New research reveals that underwater frazil ice plays a crucial role in the formation of Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW) in the Cape Darnley polynya. This underwater ice prevents surface-cover ice formation, allowing for efficient ice production and providing high-salinity source water for AABW.