Ross Ice Shelf

Antarctica’s Ross Ice Shelf experiences sudden jumps twice a day, leading to potential “icequakes”.

About Ross Ice Shelf:

• The Ross Ice Shelf is the largest ice shelf in the world, positioned on the side of Antarctica closest to New Zealand.
• It covers an area about the size of Spain, making it roughly equivalent to the size of France.
• The shelf has an average thickness of approximately 1,300 feet.

Physical Characteristics and Behavior:

• It comprises a massive slab of ice where two sections can press against each other, similar to tectonic plates on Earth.
• This pressing can cause sudden jumps, occurring twice daily, which may lead to “icequakes” or seismic disturbances within the ice.

Ecological and Geological Implications:

• Icequakes can be harmful, posing risks to animals living in the vicinity and to human explorers.
• About 90 per cent of the Ross Ice Shelf’s bulk is submerged underwater.

Impact on Global Sea Levels:

• The melting of the Ross Ice Shelf and similar formations does not directly affect global sea levels because the ice is already at equilibrium with the surrounding water.
• However, these ice shelves play a critical role in moderating the flow of glaciers from Antarctica into the ocean.
• If the ice shelves were to diminish, glaciers could slide more rapidly into the sea, potentially raising global water levels.

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