Antarctica’s Hektoria Glacier stunned scientists by retreating eight kilometers in just two months, with nearly half of it collapsing in record time. The rapid breakup was driven by a flat, underwater bedrock surface that allowed the glacier to suddenly float and fracture from below. Satellite and seismic data captured the dramatic chain reaction in near real time. The findings raise concerns that much larger glaciers could one day collapse just as quickly.

cross-posted from: https://piefed.social/c/earthscience/p/1823671/antarctica-just-saw-the-fastest-glacier-collapse-ever-recorded

Antarctica’s Hektoria Glacier stunned scientists by retreating eight kilometers in just two months, with nearly half of it collapsing in record time. The rapid breakup was driven by a flat, underwater bedrock surface that allowed the glacier to suddenly float and fracture from below. Satellite and seismic data captured the dramatic chain reaction in near real time. The findings raise concerns that much larger glaciers could one day collapse just as quickly.

  • hector@lemmy.todayEnglish
    2·
    7 hours ago

    There was never any chance we did anything, and feedback loops are already amplifying themselves. All estimates we are shown are severely flawed because we would have to change behavior if we admitted the truth.

    I realize the good news crowd feels like they need it to not be hopeless, but it is, and has been.

    If we recognize reality maybe we can prepare better at least.