Antarctic ‘glue’ coming unstuck could be crucial in causing deterioration of ice shelves

The video discusses a study on the Larsen Sea Ice Shelf, highlighting the role of ice melange in stabilizing ice shelves. Thinning of the melange, rather than the ice shelf itself, can lead to increased rift widening and iceberg calving, as seen with the A68 iceberg. This challenges previous beliefs that hydrofracturing was the primary cause of such events. The study suggests that ice shelves may become unstable and retreat sooner than expected, impacting sea level rise predictions.

What is the primary role of ice melange in the context of ice shelves?

• To increase the thickness of ice shelves

• To act as a glue for rifts in ice shelves

• To decrease the temperature of ocean water

• To prevent iceberg formation

How does the thinning of both ice shelves and melange affect rift widening?

• It slows down rift widening

• It has no effect on rift widening

• It causes rifts to close completely

• It accelerates rift widening

Under what condition does rift widening increase significantly?

• When the melange thins separately from the ice shelf

• When both the ice shelf and melange thin together

• When the ocean water temperature decreases

• When the ice shelf thickens

What previous assumption about iceberg calving does the study challenge?

• That it occurs only in summer

• That it is caused by hydro fracturing

• That it is unrelated to ocean water temperature

• That it happens only in the Arctic

What potential impact on sea level rise is suggested by the study's findings?

• Sea level rise will be unaffected

• Sea level rise will only affect the Antarctic region

• Sea level rise could occur sooner and be more significant

• Sea level rise will be slower than expected