Hole found in Antarctica

A HOLE larger than the Netherlands has opened up in Antarctica, and scientists are working to deepen their understanding of how it formed.

The hole in the ice is “quite remarkable,” University of Toronto Mississauga professor Kent Moore said.

“It looks like you just punched a hole in the ice,” he said.

Areas of open water surrounded by sea ice, such as this one, are known as polynyas. They form in coastal regions of Antarctica, Mr Moore said.

Scientists believe the polynya will have a wider impact on the oceans.