Antarctic Ice Shelves: Where Glaciers Move in Unpredictable Surges, and the Dangers of Unexpected Disintegration

A new study has shed light on the intricate and ever-changing nature of Antarctic ice shelves. Researchers have made a surprising discovery in Antarctica: the massive Ross Ice Shelf, comparable in size to France, moves forward several centimetres once or twice a day. This movement is caused by the Whillans Ice Stream, a fast-moving river of ice that occasionally gets stuck and then surges ahead.

The research highlights how the Whillans Ice Stream exhibits a stop-and-go motion, unlike most glaciers that move at a slow pace. The lack of water lubrication beneath the stream may be causing it to intermittently stick and then release built-up pressure in sudden bursts. These sudden shifts, resembling tremors along earthquake faults, exert pressure on the Ross Ice Shelf.

While the daily movements are not directly linked to human-induced warming, they could contribute to weakening the Ross Ice Shelf. Ice shelves act as barriers, slowing the flow of glaciers and ice streams into the ocean. If the Ross Ice Shelf weakens and breaks apart, it could accelerate ice melt rates and sea level rise. Scientists are closely monitoring the situation.

The study underscores the complex and dynamic nature of Antarctic ice shelves and emphasizes the need for ongoing research to comprehend their future under a changing climate. The team points out that icequakes and fractures are natural events on ice shelves but will be vigilant in observing any signs of disintegration similar to past occurrences with smaller ice shelves.

This discovery raises concerns about long-term stability of Ross Ice Shelf due to its movement caused by Whillans Ice Stream’s stop-and-go motion which may lead to sudden bursts exerting pressure on Ross Ice Shelf.

The study published in Geophysical Research Letters shows that while daily movements are not directly linked to human-induced warming but could contribute to weakening Ross Ice Shelf’s stability.

Ice shelves act as barriers that slow down glaciers’ flow into oceans; if Ross Ice Shelf weakens or breaks apart, it could speed up melting rates and rising sea levels.

Scientists need ongoing research on these complex dynamics of Antarctic ice shelves under changing climatic conditions