The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries announced that a group of Korean scientists had observed part of the Nansen ice shelf breaking off. (Image : Pixabay)
SEJONG, April 15 (Korea Bizwire) – The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries announced that a group of Korean scientists had observed part of the Nansen ice shelf breaking off.
Ice shelves are vast expanses of ice floating in the ocean. They are usually 100 to 900 meters thick. The Nansen ice shelf is located 50 kilometers south of the Jang Bo-go Antarctic Research Station. After collapsing, part of the shelf broke into two icebergs, which are now migrating north.
A GPS tracking device was installed on the iceberg that broke off, and the movement of the iceberg will be recorded. In addition, the radar imaging satellite ‘Arirang Five’ will continue to observe the movement and melting of the iceberg. (Image : Yonhap)
The icebergs are 150 square kilometers and 55 square kilometers in size. The surface of the two icebergs put together is 70 times larger than Yeouido.
The ministry observed the incident through satellite footage for the first time in history.
A GPS tracking device was installed on the iceberg that broke off, and the movement of the iceberg will be recorded. In addition, the radar imaging satellite ’Arirang Five’ will continue to observe the movement and melting of the iceberg.
In 2014, the ministry found a 30 kilometer long crack in the ice shelf, and witnessed melted glacier water running through the crack.
In 2014, the ministry found a 30 kilometer long crack in the ice shelf, and witnessed melted glacier water running through the crack. (Image : Yonhap)
The break-up of ice shelves and glaciers worldwide could have a significant impact on sea levels. The phenomenon accelerates the migration and melting of glaciers remaining in the Antarctic. Sea levels are expected to rise 70 meters if all of the glaciers at the South Pole melt.
Experts expect that the recent breaking up of the ice shelf will be a significant clue in starting to understand why sea levels rise.
By M.H.Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
