Colossal A83 glacier has detached from the Brunt Ice Shelf in Antarctica. It is approximately four times the size of New Delhi.
The separation was observed through satellite images on May 20th.
A83 glacier breaks off reason
This calving event led to the formation of a 380 square kilometer iceberg named A83. It signifies the third significant ice loss in this area within a span of four years.
The iceberg broke off due to the prolonged weakening of the ice at the McDonald Ice Rumples and the eastward extension of a substantial crack known as the “Halloween Crack.” In recent years, this region has seen the creation of iceberg A-74 in 2021. It is followed by the even larger A-81 in 2023.
The triangular A83 iceberg was clearly seen detached in radar images captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-1 satellite on May 22nd. Analysis of thermal data from Landsat 8 reveals variations in the iceberg’s thickness, with warmer areas suggesting thinner ice closer to open water temperatures.
Although calving is a natural occurrence, the growing frequency of such events raises worries about the influence of climate change on Antarctic ice shelves. Regular satellite surveillance offers valuable insights into these distant phenomena and the reactions of ice shelves to evolving environmental conditions.
Satellite image of A83 glacier
The triangular iceberg A83 was clearly observed to have detached in radar images. The images of A83 glacier were taken by the Copernicus Sentinel-1 satellite on May 22nd.
Examination of thermal data from Landsat 8 indicates differences in the thickness of the iceberg. Warmer regions are suggesting thinner ice closer to temperatures of open water.
Impact of A83 glacier break off in the global warming
Despite calving being a natural process, the increasing frequency of such events raises concerns about the impact of climate change on Antarctic ice shelves.
Ongoing satellite monitoring provides unparalleled perspectives into these remote occurrences and how ice shelves adapt to changing conditions.
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