How to pronounce“polynya”in English

Polynyas, particularly in the Antarctic, help drive currents that encircle the globe, and play a critical role in moving colder and warmer water where it wouldn’t normally go.

Without polynyas, entire continents might be a lot less pleasant to call home.

But polynyas can be pretty tricky to study, since it’s often difficult to get to the poles during the winter when they’re more active.

The second type of polynya forms in the sea ice that’s floating on the open ocean.

But if a polynya forms, there’s no ice to block the light.

It’s the largest polynya in the Arctic, and relies on both coastal and open ocean effects to keep it free of ice.

They’re called polynyas, gaps in the sea ice.