Tag

Icebergs

All articles tagged with #icebergs

science1 month ago•3 min saved

Greenland Icebergs Reshape Deep-Sea Life as Melt Accelerates

Greenland’s glaciers are calving four times as many icebergs as 25 years ago due to climate change, sending rocks and sediment to the deep sea where hard-bottom habitats form and seabed life increases; a DTU-led Nature study links glacier melt to amplified iceberg transport and expanding Arctic impact, with quadruple iceberg occurrences in Fram Strait since 2000 and a rising share of large iceberg groups, underscoring new risks for maritime traffic as Arctic shipping grows.

via ScienceAlert|

#arctic #climate-change #deep-sea-ecosystems

earth-science1 month ago•17 min saved

Arctic Icebergs Seed Hidden Coral Gardens on the Seafloor

Researchers using satellite imagery and a network of undersea sensors found that debris-laden icebergs drop dropstones onto the Arctic seafloor, creating hard substrates that enable new habitats for soft corals, sea anemones, sponges and bryozoans, boosting deep-sea biodiversity. Most icebergs traced to glaciers in northeastern Greenland and the Russian High Arctic, linking iceberg flux to warming. The findings also highlight navigational and bottom-trawling hazards from deposited rocks, a risk now prompting private firms to provide timely iceberg data to mariners.

via Gizmodo|

#arctic #biodiversity #climate-change

environment1 year ago•2 min saved

Seals' Survival Tactics: Choosing Icebergs Amid Melting Challenges

Research presented at the American Geophysical Union's annual meeting reveals that harbor seals in Alaska's Glacier Bay National Park choose icebergs based on their speed, with slower-moving ones preferred during pupping season for stability and faster ones during molting season for feeding opportunities. The study highlights the impact of the advancing Johns Hopkins glacier on seal habitats and underscores the importance of interdisciplinary research to understand climate change effects on tidewater glacier fjord ecosystems. Meanwhile, climate change poses a significant threat to these environments, with potential warming of 3.6°F in many regions.

via Gizmodo|

#climatechange #environment #glacierbay

spaceclimate-change2 years ago•2 min saved

Astronaut's Stunning Space Photos Highlight Climate Change Impact on Icebergs

European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Andreas Mogensen, currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS), shared stunning images of icebergs seen from space, expressing concerns about climate change and rising sea levels. The images capture large icebergs and fragments floating in the South Atlantic, highlighting the visible impact of melting glaciers. The post garnered thousands of likes and comments, with users expressing awe and concern. This comes as the world's largest iceberg, A23a, was reported to be drifting beyond Antarctic waters.

via NDTV|

#astronaut #climate-change #esa

space2 years ago•3 min saved

"Stunning Space Photos Capture Majestic Icebergs from the ISS"

European Space Agency astronaut Andreas Mogensen, commander of Expedition 70 on the International Space Station, has captured stunning photos of giant icebergs floating in the South Atlantic. As Earth continues to warm, more ice is breaking off glaciers and ice sheets, contributing to rising sea levels. The photos highlight the visible part of the icebergs floating on the ocean surface, as well as the submerged parts and ocean waves breaking around them. Mogensen's observations serve as a reminder of the impact of climate change and the potential disappearance of low-lying areas like the Maldives due to rising sea levels.

via Space.com|

#climate-change #icebergs #international-space-station

wildlife2 years ago•3 min saved

"Rare Video Captures Killer Whales Using Icebergs as Natural Exfoliation Stations"

Killer whales in Antarctica have been observed rubbing their bodies against icebergs, potentially as a form of exfoliation for their skin, which often accumulates algae. This behavior, captured in drone footage by National Geographic, is believed to be a temporary solution for orcas living in colder waters, where thermoregulation becomes challenging and proper molting is hindered. Scientists suggest that the orcas may migrate thousands of miles to warmer waters to molt their skin, with deferred skin molt potentially being the main driver of their long-distance migration. The rubbing behavior has also been observed in orca populations in the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia, suggesting a tactile preference for such activities.

via Business Insider|

#algae-buildup #icebergs #killer-whales

environment2 years ago•2 min saved

"The Enigma of the Emerald Iceberg: Unraveling East Antarctica's Mysterious Green Giant"

A scientist studying satellite images of fast ice in East Antarctica discovered a rare green iceberg among the usual grayscale ones. The green color may be due to the presence of iron oxides acquired from rock dust on the mainland, potentially transporting important nutrients for marine life from land to sea. The scientist uses these images for ecological surveys and operational purposes, such as supporting transportation efforts in the region. Monitoring changes in fast ice is crucial, as recent research has shown a significant loss of fast ice that had been present for over two decades.

via SciTechDaily|

#antarctica #environment #fast-ice

science-and-technology2 years ago•3 min saved

AI's Rapid Tracking of Melting Icebergs Outpaces Human Capabilities

Scientists are using artificial intelligence (AI) to quickly identify and monitor giant icebergs in satellite images, with AI being 10,000 times faster than humans in this task. The ability to locate and monitor icebergs is crucial for understanding their impact on sea level rise and the release of meltwater into the ocean. The AI system trained on satellite images achieved 99% accuracy in detecting icebergs, including those ranging in size from 54 to 1052 square kilometers. This AI technology allows for real-time monitoring of remote and inaccessible areas, providing valuable insights into the changes in iceberg area and paving the way for operational applications.

via Space.com|

#artificial-intelligence #climate-change #icebergs

technology2 years ago•0 min saved

AI's Lightning Speed: Mapping Giant Icebergs 10,000x Faster Than Humans

A neural network has been developed that can map large icebergs 10,000 times faster than humans, significantly improving efficiency in iceberg mapping.

via Engadget|

#efficiency #human-capabilities #icebergs

technology2 years ago•3 min saved

AI's Rapid Iceberg Mapping Outpaces Human Abilities

Researchers from the University of Leeds have developed a neural network that can quickly and accurately map large Antarctic icebergs in satellite images, completing the task in just 0.01 seconds. This breakthrough technology outperforms manual efforts and is crucial for monitoring iceberg extent, understanding their impact on the environment, and tracking changes in area and thickness. The neural network excels in challenging conditions and has achieved an accuracy of 99%. This innovative approach automates the labor-intensive task of locating and reporting iceberg extent, paving the way for operational applications in the vulnerable Antarctic region.

via European Space Agency|

#ai #icebergs #mapping

environment2 years ago•0 min saved

"Pine Island Glacier's Calving Event Produces Trio of Icebergs."

The Pine Island Glacier in Antarctica has calved three new icebergs, according to recent reports. This event highlights the ongoing impact of climate change on the region, as the glacier continues to lose mass and contribute to rising sea levels.

via Daily Kos|

#antarctica #calving #climate-change