Emergent Antarctic seafloor seeps: A tipping point reached?

Abstract We report striking discoveries of extensive and emergent seafloor seeps in the coastal Ross Sea, releasing climate-reactive fluid and gases. While the origin, driving mechanisms, and consequence of these seep systems remains unknown, their recent emergence is consistent with cryospheric cap degradation initiating new fluid flow pathways. Such a mechanism is inherently climate sensitive and may be widespread around the Antarctic Continent, with concerning positive feedbacks that are currently undetermined.