Home / Environment / Antarctic Chill Defies Global Warming Trend
Antarctic Chill Defies Global Warming Trend
2 Nov
Summary
- Maitri station shows a cooling trend, unlike most others.
- Temperatures at Maitri have fallen for three decades.
- Study analyzed meteorological data from 1991 to 2020.
In a surprising turn amidst global warming, India's Maitri research station in Antarctica has recorded a consistent temperature decrease for the past three decades. This cooling trend stands in stark contrast to most other research stations in the region, which have experienced warming.
Data analyzed from 1991 to 2020 revealed that Maitri's average surface air temperature declined by approximately 0.03°C annually. It was the sole station among seven observed where maximum, minimum, and average temperatures all showed a downward trend. Maximum and minimum temperatures at Maitri dropped by about 0.041°C and 0.045°C per year, respectively.
Scientists suggest that variations in local environmental factors, such as wind patterns and sea ice conditions, could be responsible for Maitri's unique thermal behavior compared to its warming neighbors. Zhongshan station, located about 2,450km away, is the only other station that registered a slight temperature increase.
