Ice bridge ruptures
in
Antarctic
An ice bridge linking a shelf of ice the size of Jamaica to two islands in Antarctica has snapped.
Scientists say the collapse could mean the Wilkins Ice Shelf is on the brink of breaking away, and provides further evidence of rapid [climate] change in the region.
Sited on the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula, the Wilkins shelf has been retreating since the 1990s. Researchers regarded the ice bridge as an important barrier, holding the remnant shelf structure in place. Its removal will allow ice to move more freely between Charcot and Latady islands, into the open ocean.
David Vaughan says the breakage is a 'really strong indication' of warming
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7983955.stm
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http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7984054.stm
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