Saturday, 26 March 2022

Conger Ice Shelf- Start of the Conga?

The Conger ice shelf in Eastern Antarctica was relatively small, being 'only' 1200 square km. The ice shelf's complete collapse has not produced huge effects. A NASA scientist involved in the study suggests, however, that the ice shelf's collapse 'may be a sign of what is coming' (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/mar/25/satellite-data-shows-entire-conger-ice-shelf-has-collapsed-in-antarctica). The Conger ice shelf collapsed after a record temperatures of -11.8 degrees Centigrade (40 degrees above normal values) was reached on March 18th. It seems likely that other areas of Antarctic ice will also melt. Such a succession of melts could produce a 'domino' effect, elevating sealevels, diverting ocean currents etc. We may be rapidly approaching a tipping point, at which the process can no longer be reversed.

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