Giant section breaks off from Antarctic ice mass
Back in 2021 and 2023, two massive ice chunks broke loose from the Brunt Ice Shelf in Antarctica. Now, something even bigger is happening - an ice block the size of Hamburg is coming loose. But don't blame it on climate change, the experts say.
A hefty 380 square-kilometer piece of ice has recently detached from the 150-meter-thick Brunt Ice Shelf in Antarctica, according to reports. That's about the same size as the British Isle of Wight. This is the third time this has happened in the area within the last few years.
Despite popular belief, it's unlikely that climate change is responsible for this event. The research, provided by the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), suggests that it's more down to a large crack which formed in the ice shelf recently. "This iceberg calving was expected since a 14-kilometer-long crack formed at a right angle to the existing Halloween crack a few weeks ago," stated researcher, Oliver Marsh. By doing so, it reduced the total size of the ice shelf to its smallest recorded shape.
"Calving" is the term used for when bigger ice masses detach from glaciers that end in the sea or inland waters. This event took place on a Monday morning and has been predicted since researchers first spotted major cracks in the area ten years ago. As a precaution, Brits moved their Halley research station around 20 kilometers further inland in 2016 to avoid potential dangers from break-offs.
Scientists from BAS only occupy the region from November to March, which is essentially their summer. During the rest of the year, they keep an eye on the region using satellite images from ESA, NASA, and the German TerraSAR-X satellite. Their primary focus is ensuring the safety and security of the research stations in the area.
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In light of these ongoing Antarctic ice events, London's School of Geosciences has launched a new climate change education program. The curriculum includes extensive studies on Antarctica's changing climate and the role of science in understanding these phenomena.
Recognizing the global significance of Antarctica's climate, renowned scientists from London's Natural History Museum are planning an expedition to Antarctica next year to collect data and scale models for their climate change exhibit.
Source: www.ntv.de
