Wilkins Ice Shelf ABout To Break Away ?

Posted by Big Gav in antarctica, global warming

The BBC reports the Wilkins Ice Shelf is showing signs of breaking away from Antarctica - Ice bridge ruptures in Antarctic.

An ice bridge linking a shelf of ice the size of Jamaica to two islands in Antarctica has snapped.

Scientists say the collapse could mean the Wilkins Ice Shelf is on the brink of breaking away, and provides further evidence of rapid change in the region. Sited on the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula, the Wilkins shelf has been retreating since the 1990s.

Researchers regarded the ice bridge as an important barrier, holding the remnant shelf structure in place. Its removal will allow ice to move more freely between Charcot and Latady islands, into the open ocean.

European Space Agency satellite pictures had indicated last week that cracks were starting to appear in the bridge. Newly created icebergs were seen to be floating in the sea on the western side of the peninsula, which juts up from the continent towards South America's southern tip.

2 comments

M. Binder says 12:33 AM

Changes in the world’s ice sheets need more attention. Since they are good indicators of climatic change, people really need to keep track of what is going on at the poles. Students conducting environmental, climate or earth science science fair projects can also benefit from reading articles, blogs and other media releases on the condition of the ice sheets.

Super Science Fair Projects says 1:42 AM

Thanks for the fascinating post!