Recent changes across the Antarctic atmosphere–ocean–cryosphere system have been profound, and projections suggest that many of these changes will continue or even accelerate. These changes arise from interactions spanning scales from turbulent boundary-layer exchange and individual weather systems to basin-scale ocean circulation and large-scale atmospheric variability. These components are often studied separately, despite forming connected physical pathways. Large-scale circulation and storm tracks modulate cyclones, katabatic winds and air-mass intrusions; atmospheric heat, moisture and momentum fluxes affect sea-ice formation, drift, export and polynya activity; sea-ice changes modify air–sea exchange, ocean stratification, mixing and continental-shelf circulation; and ocean heat and freshwater exchanges influence ice-shelf basal melting, cavity circulation and downstream climate feedbacks. Resolving these multiscale pathways is essential for understanding recent Antarctic change and improving future projections.
We invite contributions based on in situ observations, field campaigns, satellite remote sensing, reanalyses, theory, process studies, regional coupled models and Earth system models. Topics include multiscale atmospheric forcing of sea ice, polynyas and ice shelves; interactions among katabatic winds, cyclones, large-scale circulation and surface fluxes; feedbacks from leads and open water to the atmospheric boundary layer; sea-ice–wave–ice-shelf interactions; upper-ocean buoyancy forcing, stratification and convection; continental-shelf circulation, dense-water formation and export; ice-shelf meltwater and coupled feedbacks; and emergent behaviour under future climate change. We particularly encourage studies that connect two or more components through testable physical mechanisms, quantify interactions across weather-to-climate scales, assess observational or modelling uncertainties, or identify priorities for future observing systems and coupled-model development.