Antarctica Ice Shelf Experiences Jumps

Researchers have discovered that the Ross Ice Shelf in Antarctica, roughly the size of France, is experiencing sudden movements of 6 to 8 centimeters once or twice a day. These movements are triggered by the Whillans Ice Stream, a fast-flowing river of ice that occasionally gets stuck and then surges forward. The discovery highlights a previously unknown aspect of ice shelf dynamics and raises concerns about the long-term stability of the Ross Ice Shelf in the face of climate change.

Whillans Ice Stream and Slip Events

The Whillans Ice Stream exhibits a stop-and-go motion, which is believed to be caused by a lack of water lubrication beneath the stream. This causes the stream to intermittently stick and then release built-up pressure in sudden bursts, known as slip events. These slip events are similar to movements along fault lines before earthquakes and can result in movements of up to 40 centimeters in just a few minutes.

Impact on Ross Ice Shelf

The slip events in the Whillans Ice Stream push against the Ross Ice Shelf, causing it to lurch forward once or twice a day. While these movements are not directly linked to human-caused global warming, they could contribute to the weakening and eventual disintegration of the Ross Ice Shelf. Ice shelves act as natural barriers, slowing down 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 contribute to sea level rise.

Potential Icequakes and Fractures

The sudden movements of the Ross Ice Shelf could potentially trigger icequakes and fractures in the ice. Icequakes are seismic disturbances that occur within the ice and can be harmful to animals and explorers in the vicinity. Fractures in the ice shelf can compromise its stability and lead to its eventual disintegration, similar to what has happened to smaller ice shelves in the past.

About Antarctica

• Antarctica is the southernmost continent on Earth, situated in the Antarctic region of the Southern Hemisphere.
• It is the 5th largest continent with an area of about 14.2 million sq km.
• It is the coldest, driest, and windiest continent on Earth.
• It is the only continent without any permanent human inhabitants.
• It is surrounded by the Southern Ocean and has the highest average elevation of any continent.
• It is the site of the geographic South Pole.

Importance of Monitoring

While the daily jumps and icequakes are currently considered part of the normal life of the Ross Ice Shelf, scientists emphasize the need for continued monitoring. Understanding these movements is crucial for predicting Antarctica’s fate and its impact on the planet in the face of climate change. The research team will be closely watching the Ross Ice Shelf for signs of disintegration in the coming years.

The research and monitoring of these phenomena are crucial for understanding and predicting the future of Antarctica in a warming world.

Month: Current Affairs - April, 2024

Category: Environment Current Affairs