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Ross Ice Shelf

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science17 days ago•4 min saved

Ross Ice Shelf: Antarctica’s 800-km ice shield guarding against 5 meters of sea-level rise

Stretching about 800 km across Antarctica’s Ross Sea, the Ross Ice Shelf is the world’s largest ice shelf and a crucial stabilizer for the Antarctic ice sheet. Its massive mass (largely below the waterline) flows forward at hundreds of meters per year and periodically calves huge icebergs; if it collapses, global sea levels could rise by up to 5 metres. While basal melting occurs, including solar-driven melt near Ross Island, the shelf remains relatively stable for now and is closely monitored as a key indicator of climate change.

via BBC Wildlife Magazine|

#antarctica #climate-change #ice-shelf-melting

environment2 years ago•4 min saved

"Antarctica's Largest Ice Shelf Shows Unusual Activity"

Research from Washington University in St. Louis reveals that the Ross Ice Shelf in Antarctica, the largest ice shelf on the continent, is being displaced daily by the Whillans Ice Stream. This movement, which can be up to 8 centimeters, is caused by sudden slips in the ice stream and could influence icequakes and fractures, raising concerns about the stability of ice shelves in a warming world. The study highlights the potential impact on sea level rise if the ice shelf were to collapse.

via SciTechDaily|

#antarctica #climate-change #environment

science-and-environment2 years ago•1 min saved

"Antarctica's Dynamic Ice Shelf Sparks Icequake Concerns"

A new study reveals that the massive Ross Ice Shelf in Antarctica, roughly the size of France, experiences daily lurches triggered by the Whillans Ice Stream, raising concerns about its long-term stability in the face of climate change. The stop-and-go motion of the ice stream, similar to tremors along earthquake faults, could contribute to the weakening of the ice shelf, potentially accelerating ice melt rates and sea level rise. While these phenomena are natural, scientists are closely monitoring the situation for signs of disintegration, emphasizing the need for continued research to understand the future of Antarctic ice shelves under a changing climate.

via NDTV|

#antarctica #climate-change #ice-dynamics

earth-science2 years ago•2 min saved

"Surprising Daily Movements of Antarctic Ice Shelf the Size of France"

The Ross Ice Shelf in Antarctica, the size of France, has been found to lurch forward once or twice a day due to elastic waves triggered by slip events on the Whillans Ice Stream. These sudden movements, detected by seismographs, could potentially lead to icequakes and fractures in the ice shelf. While not directly linked to human-induced global warming, understanding these movements is crucial for monitoring the long-term stability of the Ross Ice Shelf, which plays a significant role in slowing down the melting rate and increasing ice accumulation in the region.

via ScienceAlert|

#antarctica #climate-change #earth-science

earth-and-environment2 years ago•4 min saved

"Antarctica's Largest Ice Shelf Lurches Forward Daily"

Researchers have discovered that the Ross Ice Shelf, the largest ice shelf in Antarctica, lurches forward 6 to 8 centimeters once or twice a day due to movements of the Whillans Ice Stream. This movement, triggered by slip events, could potentially play a role in triggering icequakes and fractures in the ice shelf. While not directly related to human-caused global warming, the stability of Antarctica's ice shelves in a warming world is a concern, as their collapse would lead to faster glacier flow and contribute to sea level rise.

via Phys.org|

#antarctica #climate-change #earth-and-environment