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Antarctica glacier lost nearly half of its ice in two months

The Weather Channel · Just In
The Weather Channel
The Weather Channel
Just In

The Hektoria Glacier in Antarctica has lost half of its ice in roughly two months. Researchers say this lightning-fast retreat is reminiscent of the Ice Ages, and could signal a bigger concern when it comes to sea level rise. Watch to see how researchers discovered this massive loss on the frozen continent.

Breakdown
  • Hectoria Glacier in Antarctica lost nearly half its ice in two months, equivalent to five miles of glacier disappearing. 5s
  • This is the fastest glacier retreat ever recorded in modern history. 11s
  • The glacier's retreat was caused by it lifting off the seafloor, floating, and being broken apart by ocean waves. 23s
  • This event triggered a chain reaction of calving, ice cracking, and collapsing into the sea. 34s
  • Researchers warn that similar rapid retreats in larger glaciers could dramatically speed up sea level rise. 44s
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