St. Louis, Missouri – Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have made a groundbreaking discovery regarding the Ross Ice Shelf in Antarctica. The study reveals that the massive ice shelf, equivalent in size to France, experiences daily displacement caused by the activity of an ice stream, raising concerns about the stability of ice shelves in a warming environment.
The Ross Ice Shelf, the largest ice shelf in Antarctica, is constantly in motion due to the interactions with ice streams. These ice streams serve as pathways for accelerated movement, transporting ice and sediment debris from glaciers to the ocean. The study highlights that the entire Ross Ice Shelf shifts approximately 6 to 8 centimeters (3 inches) once or twice a day as a result of slip events in the ice stream.
Scientists believe that understanding the dynamics between ice shelves and ice streams is crucial for assessing the stability of Antarctica’s ice shelves. These shelves act as barriers, slowing the movement of glaciers and ice streams towards the ocean. If an ice shelf collapses, glaciers can flow freely into the sea, contributing to rising sea levels.
The research, published in Geophysical Research Letters, focuses on the Whillans Ice Stream, one of several large, fast-moving ice rivers that feed into the Ross Ice Shelf. The movement observed is akin to a “stick-slip” motion, similar to what occurs along fault lines before an earthquake.
While researchers do not attribute these slip events directly to human-induced climate change, the study sheds light on the potential impact of such movements on the stability of the Ross Ice Shelf. The stress and strain associated with these events could lead to icequakes and fractures within the ice shelf.
Overall, the findings underscore the complex and dynamic nature of Antarctica’s ice shelves and the importance of ongoing research to better understand their behavior in a changing climate. Further exploration and monitoring of ice stream movements are essential for predicting the future stability of these critical components of the Antarctic ice sheet.