Researchers at China's Zhongshan Station in Antarctica have recorded an uncommon rainfall event, which is unusual in climate terms and raises questions about possible effects on the region's animals, especially penguins. A typical for the often cold continent, the station saw drizzle on December 4, 2023, with temperatures rising to a comfortable 3.6 degrees Celsius. Research team member Wang Caijun at Zhongshan Station expressed surprise at the weather, pointing out that rainfall of this kind is very unusual in the frozen continent of Antarctica.
The short precipitation, lasting less than two hours, can have a big impact on the ecology in the area. The Chinese Academy of Meteorological Sciences' Ding Minghu, director of the Institute of Global Change and Polar Research, issued a warning that the precipitation could have a negative impact on Antarctic wildlife. The vulnerability of young penguins is among the most urgent issues. Since their feathers are not yet waterproof, rain might cause ice to build on their bodies, which could result in frostbite.
Antarctica's role in regulating the global climate is well-established; its ice, ocean, and ecosystems are vital in reducing global warming, influencing ocean currents, and removing millions of tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The priceless atmospheric carbon records found in the continent's ice cores, which span half a million years, provide important new information about Earth's historical climate as well as the growing danger of global warming.
One of the planet's remaining big wildernesses is undergoing changes, which are shown by the unexpected rainfall and its possible effects on animals. The stability of Antarctica's ecosystems is at risk due to global warming, glacier retreat, and ice shelf collapse.
