Antarctic ice shelf jumps twice daily: Risk of catastrophic icequake, warn scientists

One of Antarctica's mysteries involves the Ross Ice Shelf, a massive slab of ice about the size of France. Recent findings suggest it's not as stable as it appears – in fact, it's moving, and this movement could cause trouble.

Researchers, led by Professor Doug Wiens of Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, discovered that the Ross Ice Shelf makes sudden jumps twice a day. Consider a piece of land the size of France that shifts position regularly. This movement, which is around 6 to 8 cm each time, may appear little, but it is important.

What's causing the Ross Ice Shelf jump?

The movement of ice is what causes these sudden shifts. Two sections of ice press against each other, just as tectonic plates on Earth cause earthquakes. This rubbing creates tension, which is released in these jumps. But why should we be concerned about ice movement in Antarctica?

These jumps may appear harmless, but they are not. They might cause "icequakes" - seismic disturbances that occur within the ice. Imagine the ground trembling beneath your feet, except it's ice. These icequakes can be harmful, especially to animals and explorers. Furthermore, jumps may cause fractures in the ice shelf, compromising its stability. If the ice shelf breaks apart, increasing sea levels may endanger coastal towns throughout the world.

What did the study reveal?

Professor Wiens and his team gathered data using special devices called seismometers. These devices recorded the ground's movements and sounds around Antarctica. Through their research, they found a crucial connection between the Ross Ice Shelf and another ice formation called the Whillans Ice Stream. The movement of the Whillans Ice Stream, like a fast-flowing river of ice, triggers the jumps in the Ross Ice Shelf.

Are humans to blame for the Ross Ice Shelf jumps?

While climate change is a concern for Antarctica's stability, these ice shelf movements aren't directly linked to it. Instead, they might be due to natural factors, like changes in the Whillans Ice Stream's bed. However, studying these interactions between ice shelves and streams can give us valuable insights into Antarctica's future in a warming world.

For now, these jumps and icequakes are part of Antarctica's "normal" life. But there's a worry among scientists like Professor Wiens that the Ross Ice Shelf might eventually disintegrate, just like smaller shelves have done before. Understanding these movements is crucial for predicting Antarctica's fate and its impact on our planet.