Canada s last fully intact ice shelf some 4 000 years old has broken off reducing the shelf by more than half after separating from the shelf the piece split in two forming an iceberg almost the size of manhattan

Canada’s Last Fully Intact Ice Shelf Collapses, Forming a Manhattan-Sized Iceberg

In a dramatic and alarming development, Canada’s last remaining fully intact ice shelf, estimated to be around 4,000 years old, has suddenly collapsed. This catastrophic event has led to a significant reduction in the size of the ice shelf, which has now been split in half, forming an iceberg almost the size of Manhattan.

This astonishing incident took place in the remote Arctic region, specifically on the northwestern coast of Ellesmere Island in Nunavut. The Canadian Ice Service, a government agency responsible for monitoring ice and icebergs in Canadian waters, reported the event on July 31, 2020. The news has sent shockwaves throughout the scientific community and raised concerns about the acceleration of climate change.

The loss of such a massive ice shelf has dire implications for the fragile Arctic ecosystem and serves as a stark reminder of the effects of global warming. The ice shelf acted as a buffer, preventing the rapid melting of the surrounding glaciers and ice caps in the region. With its collapse, these ice features now face an increased risk of accelerated melting, leading to rising sea levels.

The collapse of the ice shelf is believed to be a result of rising temperatures, which have caused increased melting and weakening of the ice. Over the past few decades, the Arctic region has experienced some of the most significant changes due to climate change. The warming trend has led to the retreat of sea ice and the increased mobility of icebergs, making the remaining ice shelves more vulnerable to collapse.

Experts emphasize that the melting of the ice shelf is not an isolated incident but part of a larger trend linked to the climate crisis. The Arctic is warming at a much faster rate than the global average, and the effects are becoming increasingly evident. It is crucial to highlight these events as urgent calls to action, not only for policymakers but for individuals worldwide.

The collapse of Canada’s last fully intact ice shelf serves as a somber reminder of the urgent need to address climate change. It underscores the importance of international cooperation and collective efforts to mitigate the impacts of our changing climate. Immediate action is required to prioritize sustainable practices, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and protect our planet’s precious ice formations.

While this event is undoubtedly concerning, it should serve as a wake-up call for humanity. It is imperative that we recognize the dire consequences of our actions and commit ourselves to preserving the Arctic environment and the delicate balance of our planet. The time to act is now, and the fate of our ice shelves and the future of our world hang in the balance.

Source: ScienceAlert.