Tag

Icebergs

All articles tagged with #icebergs

environment1 year ago

Seals' Survival Tactics: Choosing Icebergs Amid Melting Challenges

Research presented at the American Geophysical Union's annual meeting reveals that harbor seals in Alaska's Glacier Bay National Park choose icebergs based on their speed, with slower-moving ones preferred during pupping season for stability and faster ones during molting season for feeding opportunities. The study highlights the impact of the advancing Johns Hopkins glacier on seal habitats and underscores the importance of interdisciplinary research to understand climate change effects on tidewater glacier fjord ecosystems. Meanwhile, climate change poses a significant threat to these environments, with potential warming of 3.6°F in many regions.

spaceclimate-change2 years ago

Astronaut's Stunning Space Photos Highlight Climate Change Impact on Icebergs

European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Andreas Mogensen, currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS), shared stunning images of icebergs seen from space, expressing concerns about climate change and rising sea levels. The images capture large icebergs and fragments floating in the South Atlantic, highlighting the visible impact of melting glaciers. The post garnered thousands of likes and comments, with users expressing awe and concern. This comes as the world's largest iceberg, A23a, was reported to be drifting beyond Antarctic waters.

space2 years ago

"Stunning Space Photos Capture Majestic Icebergs from the ISS"

European Space Agency astronaut Andreas Mogensen, commander of Expedition 70 on the International Space Station, has captured stunning photos of giant icebergs floating in the South Atlantic. As Earth continues to warm, more ice is breaking off glaciers and ice sheets, contributing to rising sea levels. The photos highlight the visible part of the icebergs floating on the ocean surface, as well as the submerged parts and ocean waves breaking around them. Mogensen's observations serve as a reminder of the impact of climate change and the potential disappearance of low-lying areas like the Maldives due to rising sea levels.

wildlife2 years ago

"Rare Video Captures Killer Whales Using Icebergs as Natural Exfoliation Stations"

Killer whales in Antarctica have been observed rubbing their bodies against icebergs, potentially as a form of exfoliation for their skin, which often accumulates algae. This behavior, captured in drone footage by National Geographic, is believed to be a temporary solution for orcas living in colder waters, where thermoregulation becomes challenging and proper molting is hindered. Scientists suggest that the orcas may migrate thousands of miles to warmer waters to molt their skin, with deferred skin molt potentially being the main driver of their long-distance migration. The rubbing behavior has also been observed in orca populations in the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia, suggesting a tactile preference for such activities.

environment2 years ago

"The Enigma of the Emerald Iceberg: Unraveling East Antarctica's Mysterious Green Giant"

A scientist studying satellite images of fast ice in East Antarctica discovered a rare green iceberg among the usual grayscale ones. The green color may be due to the presence of iron oxides acquired from rock dust on the mainland, potentially transporting important nutrients for marine life from land to sea. The scientist uses these images for ecological surveys and operational purposes, such as supporting transportation efforts in the region. Monitoring changes in fast ice is crucial, as recent research has shown a significant loss of fast ice that had been present for over two decades.

science-and-technology2 years ago

AI's Rapid Tracking of Melting Icebergs Outpaces Human Capabilities

Scientists are using artificial intelligence (AI) to quickly identify and monitor giant icebergs in satellite images, with AI being 10,000 times faster than humans in this task. The ability to locate and monitor icebergs is crucial for understanding their impact on sea level rise and the release of meltwater into the ocean. The AI system trained on satellite images achieved 99% accuracy in detecting icebergs, including those ranging in size from 54 to 1052 square kilometers. This AI technology allows for real-time monitoring of remote and inaccessible areas, providing valuable insights into the changes in iceberg area and paving the way for operational applications.

technology2 years ago

AI's Rapid Iceberg Mapping Outpaces Human Abilities

Researchers from the University of Leeds have developed a neural network that can quickly and accurately map large Antarctic icebergs in satellite images, completing the task in just 0.01 seconds. This breakthrough technology outperforms manual efforts and is crucial for monitoring iceberg extent, understanding their impact on the environment, and tracking changes in area and thickness. The neural network excels in challenging conditions and has achieved an accuracy of 99%. This innovative approach automates the labor-intensive task of locating and reporting iceberg extent, paving the way for operational applications in the vulnerable Antarctic region.