The El Niño-Southern Oscillation as a climatological driver of Antarctic Ice Sheet surface mass changes

Understanding regional variability in Antarctica’s snow accumulation is essential for projecting the Antarctic Ice Sheet contribution to sea level rise. This thesis investigates how the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) has influenced Antarctic atmospheric circulation and surface mass balance over the satellite era. It explores the impacts of ENSO types, extreme events, and interactions between climate variability and global warming. I show that ENSO variability, global warming and other climate drivers, affect the location and magnitude of Antarctic snow accumulation, partially offsetting ocean-driven melting. Considering these processes is important for accurate future projections of the ice sheet and global sea levels.