If the threat of nuclear disaster at the hands of a mad oligarch wasn't enough, sea levels might rise after a section of ice the size of Philadelphia abruptly shattered, exposing vulnerable glaciers to the sea and more rapid melting.
According to a press release from the Earth Institute at Columbia University, a large section of the Larsen Ice Shelf has broken up into the ocean. The ice broke from January 19 to January 21.
The glaciers along the Antarctic Peninsula were protected by the ice. Scientists say the glaciers are at risk of accelerated melt that could raise sea levels even further.
The international team of scientists behind a new study are not sure why the ice broke so quickly. Warming summer temperatures and winds carrying warm air may be partially responsible.
It is difficult to tell what caused the sea ice to break as it was already showing cracks.
The event still represents a serious threat to the glaciers it previously protected. The glaciers used to be supported by the ice, which held back water flow from pushing them into the sea and minimized their contribution to sea level rise. The glaciers are at risk of melting faster now that it's gone.
This is just another grim example of climate change in action, and yet another step toward an uncertain environmental future.
Sea ice slowed the flow of glaciers in the South Pole.
Scientists say the sea ice in the Antarctic is at a record low.
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