Wave action, tidal fluctuations, wind, and relatively "warm" currents under the ice continue to nibble away at the Ross Ice Shelf. No one can remember this part of the Sound being so open in 20 years. Climate change? Maybe. But we have to keep in mind that every year is different and we'd have to look at the trends over many years to draw conclusions. The ice in the ice shelf is advancing every year and when in some years it's not knocked off, the front will advance. In other years, perhaps like this one, it will be cut back and appear to recede. What's it all mean? Too soon to tell, in this case.
Look near the horizon for the Pegasus Road. It's going to have to be rebuilt this winter and it's estimated that it will add 10 miles to the 13 mile route to the airfield.
Also, note that the pressure ridges have been blown away.
This an entirely new sort of ice to me. It was floating on the open water and acted like thinly set Jello, dampening the height of the waves coming in.
fascinating, as always.
ReplyDeleteso, is that it?
are you somewhere green?