US Edition
Near Antarctica, Saltier Seas Mean Less Ice, Study Finds
- Scientists monitored conditions involving ice shelves, surrounding sea ice, and ocean wave activity for several years preceding three significant iceberg break-offs in Antarctica, uncovering consistent patterns.
- This research extends prior studies linking enhanced atmospheric moisture transport, or integrated vapor transport , to calving, while noting most events lack a direct IVT link.
- Tabular iceberg calving, driven mainly by rift propagation, detaches large ice masses rapidly, reducing ice shelf buttressing that stabilizes grounded Antarctic ice.
- Professor Bennetts explained that sea ice generally serves as a shield protecting the ice shelves from the harsh waves of the Southern Ocean, except during a brief timeframe near the summer season. He also warned that an increase in large ice shelf calving events could significantly impact global sea levels.
- The findings imply that as Antarctica warms and sea ice retreats, ice shelves will face increased environmental stress, potentially accelerating calving and Antarctic ice sheet mass loss.
21 Articles
21 Articles
Ocean salinity shifts are melting Antarctic sea ice faster, scientists find
Rising salt levels near Antarctica are altering ocean dynamics, drawing up warm water and accelerating sea ice loss, new satellite data reveal.Sachi Kitajima Mulkey reports for The New York Times.In short:A new study finds increasing ocean salinity near Antarctica is driving warmer water to the surface, which speeds sea ice melt and hinders winter ice formation.The research, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, used adva…
Fast ice — the last line of defence for weakened Antarctic ice shelves
A new study tracks sea ice, ocean swell and ice shelf conditions over multiple years in the lead-ups to large-scale Antarctic ice shelf calving events. We quantified the strengths and durations of increased ice shelf flexure that preconditioned and subsequently triggered the calving events.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 73% of the sources are Center
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
