"Antarctica's Largest Ice Shelf Lurches Forward Daily"

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Source: Phys.org
"Antarctica's Largest Ice Shelf Lurches Forward Daily"
Photo: Phys.org
TL;DR Summary

Researchers have discovered that the Ross Ice Shelf, the largest ice shelf in Antarctica, lurches forward 6 to 8 centimeters once or twice a day due to movements of the Whillans Ice Stream. This movement, triggered by slip events, could potentially play a role in triggering icequakes and fractures in the ice shelf. While not directly related to human-caused global warming, the stability of Antarctica's ice shelves in a warming world is a concern, as their collapse would lead to faster glacier flow and contribute to sea level rise.

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