Seattle, Washington – Researchers from the University of Washington have made a groundbreaking discovery that sheds light on the rapid breakage of Antarctic ice shelves. The study, published in AGU Advances, revealed a 6.5-mile crack that formed in 2012 on the Pine Island Glacier at a staggering speed of about 80 miles per hour. Lead author Stephanie Olinger described this event as the fastest rift-opening ever observed, highlighting the need to monitor such phenomena in the future.
Rift formation in Antarctic ice shelves plays a crucial role in glacier calving, where large chunks of ice break off into the sea. Olinger emphasized the stabilizing influence of ice shelves on the Antarctic ice sheet, explaining that the process of rifting ultimately leads to the calving of large icebergs. With the West Antarctic Ice Sheet already believed to have passed a tipping point on its collapse into the ocean, understanding glacier fracture physics remains a key challenge.
To comprehend the formation of the rift, the researchers utilized a combination of seismic data recorded on the ice shelf and radar observations from satellites. Ongoing observations from satellite images provide valuable insights into glacial changes, but the rapid pace of events in the fragile Antarctic landscape presents challenges in monitoring and predicting future ice shelf behavior.
The study also highlighted the role of seawater in controlling rift spread by holding the space open against the glacier’s inward forces. Olinger underscored the significance of a physics-based understanding of the processes influencing ice shelf stability to improve large-scale ice sheet models and projections of future sea-level rise. The findings offer valuable insights into the dynamics of glacier fracture physics and the impact of warmer oceans on the stability of Antarctic ice shelves.
Overall, the research emphasizes the need for ongoing monitoring and research efforts to better understand the dynamics of glacial fracture and ice shelf behavior in a rapidly changing climate. The study was funded by the National Science Foundation and involved collaboration with UW faculty members in Earth and space sciences. With the future of rising seas hanging in the balance, continued research in this field is crucial for informing climate change mitigation strategies and addressing the potential impacts of glacier calving on global sea levels.