2017 Antarctica Maud Rise polynya formed due to wind, ocean currents, and unique ocean floor interactions.

Researchers have solved the mystery of how a large hole formed in Antarctica's sea ice, known as a polynya. The Maud Rise polynya occurred sporadically since the 1970s but persisted for weeks in the winter of 2017. A study found that the hole was created by complex interactions between wind, ocean currents, and unique ocean floor geography that transported heat and salt to the surface.