Science Source

Newly developing rift in Larsen C Ice Shelf presents significant risk to stability

Reports observed changes in the Larsen C Ice Shelf
Finds that an established rift in the Larsen C Ice Shelf, formerly constrained by a suture zone containing marine ice, grew rapidly during 2014 and is likely in the near future to generate the largest calving event since the 1980s and result in a new minimum area for the ice shelf
Investigates the recent development of the rift, quantifies the projected calving event and, using a numerical model, assesses its likely impact on ice shelf stability
Finds that the ice front is at risk of becoming unstable when the anticipated calving event occurs