Page 70 - BBC Focus Earth From Above - 2017 UK

AN T A R C T I CA Wilkins
Ice Shelf
Frozen planet

This chilly scene shows part of the ANTARCTICA
Wilkins Ice Shelf in Antarctica. The pale
blue circles in the centre of the image are
melt pond scars, where meltwater once
pooled on top of the ice then refroze. The
icebergs and sea ice floating off the coast
are evidence that the ice shelf is gradually
breaking apart. Experts think the most
recent breakup may not be directly due to
global warming, but possibly caused by a
previous event changing the shelf’s
shape, leaving the edges vulnerable
to the action of ocean waves.
PHOTO: NASA/EARTH OBSERVATORY