Antarctica is known for its vast and mysterious ice shelves, but recently, one of these natural wonders made headlines for a different reason. A massive iceberg, roughly the size of Greater London, broke off the Brunt Ice Shelf on Sunday, according to the British Antarctic Survey (BAS).

Source: KTVU FOX 2 San Francisco/Youtube

Scientists have been monitoring the ice shelf for cracks for the last decade, but two significant breaks have occurred in the previous two years. Despite the size of the calving event, the BAS has stated that the Halley Research Station, located on the ice shelf, is safe.

The recent calving event was expected and not linked to Climate change, according to Professor Dominic Hodgson, a BAS glaciologist. However, it comes amid record-low sea ice extent in Antarctica, where it is currently summer. Scientists at the National Snow and Ice Data Center have reported that the decline in Antarctic sea ice extent has been unusually rapid this year. At the end of December, the Antarctic sea ice extent stood at the lowest in the 45-year satellite record.

The low sea ice has partly been due to a large band of warmer-than-normal air temperatures and strong winds. These factors have hastened the sea ice decline, and recent data shows the sea ice has not since recovered, suggesting the continent could end the summer with a new record on the books for the second year in a row.

The sea ice extent in Antarctica has been known to be highly variable. While it’s different from what we see in mountain glaciers and the Arctic, it’s still connected to the Global warming trend.

Climate change is a global problem that requires a global solution. As individuals, we can reduce our carbon footprint by being more conscious of the energy we use, the food we eat, and the products we buy. We can also Support policies and technologies that promote clean energy and sustainable living.

Let’s work together to slow down the warming of our planet and preserve natural wonders like the Antarctic Ice Shelf for future generations.

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• The Arctic is Orange: Climate Change’s Impact on Alaska’s Waterways
• Polar Bears Disappearing From Canadian Arctic Due to Climate Change

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