00:03Since 1974, a particular area of ice in Antarctica has been a mystery to scientists.
00:09That's because periodically, a hole would form in that ice, despite temperatures in the surrounding air and water remaining in
00:15freezing temperatures.
00:17Now experts say they finally have a clue as to why the hole appears on the regular.
00:20Researchers used a series of instruments, including satellite imagery, floating sea observation devices, computer simulations and even seals equipped with
00:29data gathering devices.
00:31Finding that Antarctic winds were actually dragging layers of water, twisting horizontal currents as their depth changed.
00:36This is called the Ekman spiral, and experts say this phenomenon is likely why there was enough warmth in this
00:42particular spot to forge a hole in this otherwise cold area.
00:45When this particular recurring hole was initially observed, it was around the size of the country of New Zealand.
00:51It recurred for a couple of years before becoming much smaller in size, and even disappearing for a while.
00:56But it came back in full force in 2016 and 2017.
00:59For years it was a mystery, because as sea ice melts, the surface of the water becomes less salty.
01:04This should cause the water to freeze more easily, rather than producing a hole.
01:08Which is why scientists were so mystified as to why this giant sea hole kept coming back.
01:15And we are looking for ages.
01:17Which is why scientists were so mystified as their bodies are frozen.
01:18And the water is still there.
