Rare ice formation on Antarctic salt lake – Australian Antarctic Program (News 2023)

Antarctic expeditioners have witnessed a uncommon occasion – ice forming on a super-salty lake close to Davis analysis station.

Picturesque Deep Lake, within the Vestfold Hills, is a land-locked ‘hypersaline’ lake that accommodates about 270 grams of salt per litre (about 45 teaspoons).

Seawater, by comparability, accommodates about 35 grams of salt per litre.

The lake is 36 metres deep and sits about 50 metres beneath sea stage. It has no outflow, and is crammed solely by snowmelt and wind-driven snow. In consequence, it stays extraordinarily salty and infrequently freezes.

Since 1977, scientists and expeditioners have been monitoring the water stage, and the water temperature since 2016.

This 12 months the lake hit a report excessive water stage in January, and a report low temperature of -18°C in August.

Water stage measurements are made utilizing a gauge pole put in within the lake at a recognized depth. This 12 months, the lake stage was about 1.5 metres increased then when it was first measured in 1977.

Data present the lake depth has assorted between about 50 and 100 cm over the previous 40 years, whereas the floor water temperature varies between -15°C in winter and 9C° in summer season.

Deep Lake is about 9 kilometres from Davis analysis station and is a well-liked day journey vacation spot for expeditioners.