An ice shelf about the size of Rome completely collapsed in Antarctica

According to satellite data, an ice sheet the size of Rome has totally disintegrated in east Antarctica.

The Conger ice shelf, which had a surface area of about 1,200 square kilometres, disintegrated on March 15, according to scientists.

Last week, East Antarctica experienced exceptionally mild temperatures, with Concordia station setting a new record temperature of -11.8°C on March 18, more than 40°C above seasonal norms.

An atmospheric river confined heat over the continent, resulting in record temperatures.

Ice shelves are over-the-water extensions of ice sheets that play a vital role in controlling inland ice.

Inland ice flows quicker into the ocean without them, causing sea level rise.

Dr Catherine Colello Walker, an earth and planetary scientist at Nasa, said though the Conger ice shelf was relatively small, "it is one of the most significant collapse events anywhere in Antarctica since the early 2000s when the Larsen B ice shelf disintegrated."

"It won’t have huge effects, most likely, but it’s a sign of what might be coming," Walker said.

(With inputs from agencies)