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