A new study of the ice shelves in Antarctica has found that they are melting at an even faster rate than previously predicted.
A new study of the ice shelves in Antarctica has found that they are melting at an even faster rate than previously predicted.
The ice is melting from the bottom, where it can’t be observed, but the comprehensive study on the continent of Antarctica that lasted for almost ten years has measured and mapped the melting ice.
Icebergs often break off and snowfall accumulates and adds to the amount of ice in Antarctica.
Using satellites and radar technology, the researchers were able to measure the thickness of the ice, along with snowfall in the area, to tell how much of the ice had melted over a certain period of time.
That way they were able to track “what fraction of Antarctic glacial ice is lost through icebergs, and what is lost through ocean melting.”
Researchers think that the change in ocean current might be responsible for the melting ice sheets.
What do you think? How much are we responsible for rapid ice melting around the world?
