"Uncovering the Physics of Ice Sheet Collapse: Record-breaking 80-mph Glacier Fracture Speed"
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Phys.org
Researchers have observed the fastest-known large-scale breakage along an Antarctic ice shelf, with a 6.5-mile crack forming in about five and a half minutes, opening at about 80 miles per hour. This study sheds light on the physics of ice sheet collapse, demonstrating the role of seawater in controlling the speed of ice shelf breakage and influencing stability. Understanding these processes is crucial for improving large-scale ice sheet models and projections of future sea-level rise.