By- Shivanshi Srivastava
Scientists have observed a dramatic event: the collapse of the ice shelf extending from Cadman Glacier on the west Antarctic Peninsula.
This collapse has left the glacier vulnerable to the ocean's warm waters.
The collapse resulted in an accelerated retreat that signals a worrying trend in polar ice dynamics.
Utilising data from nine satellite missions, the researchers were able to track significant changes in the ice shelf and glacier over time.
Between Nov 2018 and May 2021, Cadman Glacier retreated by an astonishing eight kilometers after remaining stable for approximately half a century.
The rapid change is attributed to ocean water temperatures around the west Antarctic Peninsula that were up to 2°C warmer than average during 2018–2019.
The warmth penetrated not just the surface but where the ice shelf was grounded on the seafloor. This bottom-up melting was captured through satellite observations.
Ice shelves play a crucial role in the stability of glaciers; they act as a buttress.
The loss of the Cadman Ice Shelf has removed this critical support, allowing the glacier to discharge more ice into the ocean at an alarming rate.