In a recent publication in the Journal of Glaciology, researchers observed for the first time in the field how Antarctic ice shelves not only bend under the weight of melting lakes, but also fracture. This phenomenon could accelerate the collapse of vulnerable ice shelves, thus affecting global sea levels. Alison Banwell, a CIRES scientist at the Earth Science and Observation Center, highlights the importance of these findings for understanding the overall health of the Antarctic ice sheet.
The Larsen B Collapse
The findings of this research shed light on events such as the sudden collapse of the Larsen B ice shelf in 2002, when thousands of melt lakes rapidly emptied their water. Banwell illustrates how the circular fractures observed during this study are similar to those that contributed to the Larsen B disaster, highlighting the effectiveness of the new data in improving predictive models for future ice shelf instabilities.
Innovative Methodology
The research team employed high-precision GPS and water pressure sensors to monitor minute changes in elevation and depth of the lakes. These instruments documented how, during the record-breaking 2019/2020 melt season, the ice subsided by about a foot due to the weight of accumulated water. The fractures were also documented through photographs at regular intervals, which captured the dynamics of the ice and the evolution of the melt lakes.
Future implications
The data collected during the study confirms the theory of melt lake-induced fractures and, in part, also offers new perspectives for future research. Banwell suggests, in fact, that these results could significantly improve the ability to predict which ice shelves are most at risk of collapse, an essential step in anticipating and mitigating the effects of climate change on our planet.
FAQ
How do ice shelves fracture?
Ice shelves fracture under the weight of melt lakes, which cause subsidence and tension that leads to the creation of circular fractures.
What impact do these fractures have?
Fractures increase the risk of platform collapse, contributing to sea level rise.
What technology was used in the study?
High precision GPS, water depth sensors and time lapse cameras.
What are the future implications of this research?
The findings help predict which ice shelves are most vulnerable and likely to collapse in the future.
What caused the collapse of Larsen B?
The collapse was precipitated by the rapid evacuation of water from melt lakes, which created intense fractures.
How do ice shelves change during melting?
Local sinking and rising of the ice occur, accompanied by fractures that can expand.
What role do pressure sensors have in the investigation?
The sensors measured the depth of the lakes, which is crucial for analyzing the impact of the weight of the water on the ice.
What is the importance of photos at regular intervals?
The photographs visually document changes in the frozen landscape and the dynamics of the melt lakes.
Insights
Share this article
News disclaimer This blog does not represent a newspaper as it is updated without any periodicity. It cannot therefore be considered an editorial product pursuant to law no. 62 of 7.03.2001. The author is not responsible for other sites connected via links nor for their content which may be subject to changes over time.
Notiziescienza.it uses cookies to improve the browsing experience (Read more)
newsscientifiche.it participates in the Amazon EU Affiliate Program, an affiliate program that allows sites to receive an advertising commission by advertising and providing links to the Amazon.it site