Scientists make concerning discovery deep below Antarctic ice shelf
Scientists have discovered unusual movements beneath the massive Ross Ice Shelf in Antarctica. This immense ice formation, roughly the size of France, experiences sudden lurches of up to 16 inches once or twice a day. These movements are caused by an ice stream, a fast-flowing river of ice, that feeds into the shelf and occasionally stalls before surging forward.
This stop-and-go motion of the ice stream creates stress on the Ross Ice Shelf, potentially leading to fractures, icequakes, and even the disintegration of the entire shelf. While these sudden movements are not directly linked to rising global temperatures, they raise concerns about the long-term stability of the ice shelf in a warming world.
The Ross Ice Shelf acts as a crucial buffer, slowing the flow of glaciers and ice streams into the ocean. If it were to disintegrate, it could accelerate the loss of land ice and contribute to rising sea levels. Scientists are closely monitoring these movements and studying the underlying mechanisms to better understand the potential consequences for the future of Antarctica and global sea levels.
Source: Yahoo News (https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-force-moves-ross-ice-shelf-antarctica-every-day/)
