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On Thin Ice: Expedition to a Crumbling Ice Shelf
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NSIDC lead scientist Ted Scambos and Erin Pettit, glaciologist at University of Alaska, Fairbanks, pause for a picture in front of the peaks and glaciers ringing Beascochea Bay during the 2013 LARISSA Project. The Larsen Ice Shelf System, Antarctica (LARISSA) Project is a large, interdisciplinary, multi-institute study to explore every aspect of the deteriorating Larsen Ice Shelf region in Antarctica. Participating researchers set up instruments on the glaciers that feed into the remaining portion of the Larsen ice shelf. As changes occur on the ice, the stations will record it in data and pictures. (Credit: Ted Scambos, NSIDC) Read about the project on http://iceshelf.wordpress.com. (View photo detail.)
Ronald Ross, Rob Bauer, and NSIDC lead scientist Ted Scambos assemble Extreme Ice Survey cameras during the 2013 LARISSA Project. The Larsen Ice Shelf System, Antarctica (LARISSA) Project is a large, interdisciplinary, multi-institute study to explore every aspect of the deteriorating Larsen Ice Shelf region in Antarctica. Participating researchers set up instruments on the glaciers that feed into the remaining portion of the Larsen ice shelf. As changes occur on the ice, the stations will record it in data and pictures. (Credit: Ted Scambos, NSIDC) Read the expedition blog on http://iceshelf.wordpress.com. (View photo detail.)
Ronald Ross and Rob Bauer work on Extreme Ice Survey cameras during the 2013 LARISSA Project. The Larsen Ice Shelf System, Antarctica (LARISSA) Project is a large, interdisciplinary, multi-institute study to explore every aspect of the deteriorating Larsen Ice Shelf region in Antarctica. Participating researchers set up instruments on the glaciers that feed into the remaining portion of the Larsen ice shelf. As changes occur on the ice, the stations will record it in data and pictures. (Credit: Ted Scambos, NSIDC) Read the expedition blog on http://iceshelf.wordpress.com. (View photo detail.)
Cold winds blowing snow into the Crane Glacier drainage basin during the LARISSA 2013 Project. Above are standing wave lenticular clouds, similar to those seen in Colorado’s Front Range. The Larsen Ice Shelf System, Antarctica (LARISSA) Project is a large, interdisciplinary, multi-institute study to explore every aspect of the deteriorating Larsen Ice Shelf region in Antarctica. Participating researchers set up instruments on the glaciers that feed into the remaining portion of the Larsen ice shelf. As changes occur on the ice, the stations will record it in data and pictures. (Credit: Ted Scambos, NSIDC) Read the expedition blog on http://iceshelf.wordpress.com. (View photo detail.)
Researchers fly over Crane Glacier to look for an area to set up their instruments and an Extreme Ice Survey camera, during the 2013 LARISSA expedition. The Larsen Ice Shelf System, Antarctica (LARISSA) Project is a large, interdisciplinary, multi-institute study to explore every aspect of the deteriorating Larsen Ice Shelf region in Antarctica. Participating researchers set up instruments on the glaciers that feed into the remaining portion of the Larsen ice shelf. As changes occur on the ice, the stations will record it in data and pictures. (Credit: Ted Scambos, NSIDC) Read the expedition blog on http://iceshelf.wordpress.com. (View photo detail.)
The calving front of Crane Glacier is 6 kilometers wide. Note the glacier trim line of past glacier levels on the far side. The Larsen Ice Shelf System, Antarctica (LARISSA) Project is a large, interdisciplinary, multi-institute study to explore every aspect of the deteriorating Larsen Ice Shelf region in Antarctica. Participating researchers set up instruments on the glaciers that feed into the remaining portion of the Larsen ice shelf. As changes occur on the ice, the stations will record it in data and pictures. (Credit: Ted Scambos, NSIDC) Read the expedition blog on http://iceshelf.wordpress.com. (View photo detail.)
Youdong Cho, mountaineer and Won Sang Lee, geophysicist, look over the outcrop of rock selected for a planned later deployment of the seismic instrumentation and the Extreme Ice Survey camera during the 2013 LARISSA Project. The Larsen Ice Shelf System, Antarctica (LARISSA) Project is a large, interdisciplinary, multi-institute study to explore every aspect of the deteriorating Larsen Ice Shelf region in Antarctica. Participating researchers set up instruments on the glaciers that feed into the remaining portion of the Larsen ice shelf. As changes occur on the ice, the stations will record it in data and pictures. (Credit: Ted Scambos, NSIDC) Read the expedition blog on http://iceshelf.wordpress.com. (View photo detail.)
The R/V Aaron traverses Beascochea Bay during the 2013 LARISSA Project. The Larsen Ice Shelf System, Antarctica (LARISSA) Project is a large, interdisciplinary, multi-institute study to explore every aspect of the deteriorating Larsen Ice Shelf region in Antarctica. Participating researchers set up instruments on the glaciers that feed into the remaining portion of the Larsen ice shelf. As changes occur on the ice, the stations will record it in data and pictures. (Credit: Ted Scambos, NSIDC) Read the expedition blog on http://iceshelf.wordpress.com. (View photo detail.)
Icebergs in Beascochea Bay, photographed during the 2013 LARISSA Expedition. The Larsen Ice Shelf System, Antarctica (LARISSA) Project is a large, interdisciplinary, multi-institute study to explore every aspect of the deteriorating Larsen Ice Shelf region in Antarctica. Participating researchers set up instruments on the glaciers that feed into the remaining portion of the Larsen ice shelf. As changes occur on the ice, the stations will record it in data and pictures. (Credit: Ted Scambos, NSIDC) Read the expedition blog on http://iceshelf.wordpress.com. (View photo detail.)
Scientists prepare their instruments on 2- to 3-meter thick sea ice filling the former Larsen B shelf area, during the 2013 LARISSA expedition. The Larsen Ice Shelf System, Antarctica (LARISSA) Project is a large, interdisciplinary, multi-institute study to explore every aspect of the deteriorating Larsen Ice Shelf region in Antarctica. Participating researchers set up instruments on the glaciers that feed into the remaining portion of the Larsen ice shelf. As changes occur on the ice, the stations will record it in data and pictures. (Credit: Ted Scambos, NSIDC) Read the expedition blog on http://iceshelf.wordpress.com. (View photo detail.)
Scientists observe closely spaced crevasses on Scar Inlet Ice Shelf during the 2013 LARISSA Expedition. The crevasses could fill with melt water during the next warm summer, leading to a possible disintegration event as happened to the main Larsen B in 2002. The Larsen Ice Shelf System, Antarctica (LARISSA) Project is a large, interdisciplinary, multi-institute study to explore every aspect of the deteriorating Larsen Ice Shelf region in Antarctica. (Credit: Ted Scambos, NSIDC) Read the expedition blog on http://iceshelf.wordpress.com. (View photo detail.)
Scientists prepare their instruments on Leppard Glacier, just above the Larsen B, during the 2013 LARISSA expedition. The Larsen Ice Shelf System, Antarctica (LARISSA) Project is a large, interdisciplinary, multi-institute study to explore every aspect of the deteriorating Larsen Ice Shelf region in Antarctica. Participating researchers set up instruments on the glaciers that feed into the remaining portion of the Larsen ice shelf. As changes occur on the ice, the stations will record it in data and pictures. (Credit: Ted Scambos, NSIDC) Read the expedition blog on http://iceshelf.wordpress.com. (View photo detail.)
Blue and purple hues hang over the sky during sunset along the Antarctic Peninsula. The Larsen Ice Shelf System, Antarctica (LARISSA) Project is a large, interdisciplinary, multi-institute study to explore every aspect of the deteriorating Larsen Ice Shelf region in Antarctica. Participating researchers set up instruments on the glaciers that feed into the remaining portion of the Larsen ice shelf. As changes occur on the ice, the stations will record it in data and pictures. (Credit: Ted Scambos, NSIDC) Read the expedition blog on http://iceshelf.wordpress.com. (View photo detail.)
An approaching fog bank was the precursor to an intense snow squall that forced a retreat from Leppard Glacier by the remaining field team of seven scientists. The Larsen Ice Shelf System, Antarctica (LARISSA) Project is a large, interdisciplinary, multi-institute study to explore every aspect of the deteriorating Larsen Ice Shelf region in Antarctica. Participating researchers set up instruments on the glaciers that feed into the remaining portion of the Larsen ice shelf. As changes occur on the ice, the stations will record it in data and pictures. (Credit: Ted Scambos, NSIDC) Read the expedition blog on http://iceshelf.wordpress.com. (View photo detail.)
You Dong Cho directs the helicopter to a landing area near our Spring Point instrument installations during the 2013 LARISSA Project. The Larsen Ice Shelf System, Antarctica (LARISSA) Project is a large, interdisciplinary, multi-institute study to explore every aspect of the deteriorating Larsen Ice Shelf region in Antarctica. Participating researchers set up instruments on the glaciers that feed into the remaining portion of the Larsen ice shelf. As changes occur on the ice, the stations will record it in data and pictures. (Credit: Ted Scambos, NSIDC) Read the expedition blog on http://iceshelf.wordpress.com. (View photo detail.)
A minke whale breaches near the R/V Araon during the 2013 LARISSA Project. The Larsen Ice Shelf System, Antarctica (LARISSA) Project is a large, interdisciplinary, multi-institute study to explore every aspect of the deteriorating Larsen Ice Shelf region in Antarctica. Participating researchers set up instruments on the glaciers that feed into the remaining portion of the Larsen ice shelf. As changes occur on the ice, the stations will record it in data and pictures. (Credit: Ted Scambos, NSIDC) Read the expedition blog on http://iceshelf.wordpress.com. (View photo detail.)
Erin Pettit, Ronald Ross, and Suk Young Yun wait for a helicopter load at Spring Point during the 2013 LARISSA Project. The Larsen Ice Shelf System, Antarctica (LARISSA) Project is a large, interdisciplinary, multi-institute study to explore every aspect of the deteriorating Larsen Ice Shelf region in Antarctica. Participating researchers set up instruments on the glaciers that feed into the remaining portion of the Larsen ice shelf. As changes occur on the ice, the stations will record it in data and pictures. (Credit: Ted Scambos, NSIDC) Read the expedition blog on http://iceshelf.wordpress.com. (View photo detail.)
Suk Young Yun and Won Sang Lee wait for a helicopter load at Spring Point during the 2013 LARISSA Project. The Larsen Ice Shelf System, Antarctica (LARISSA) Project is a large, interdisciplinary, multi-institute study to explore every aspect of the deteriorating Larsen Ice Shelf region in Antarctica. Participating researchers set up instruments on the glaciers that feed into the remaining portion of the Larsen ice shelf. As changes occur on the ice, the stations will record it in data and pictures. (Credit: Ted Scambos, NSIDC) Read the expedition blog on http://iceshelf.wordpress.com. (View photo detail.)
An Extreme Ice Survey camera is set up at Spring Point overlooking the Cayley Glacier calving front to the east by members of the LARISSA 2013 team. The Larsen Ice Shelf System, Antarctica (LARISSA) Project is a large, interdisciplinary, multi-institute study to explore every aspect of the deteriorating Larsen Ice Shelf region in Antarctica. Participating researchers set up instruments on the glaciers that feed into the remaining portion of the Larsen ice shelf. As changes occur on the ice, the stations will record it in data and pictures. (Credit: Ted Scambos, NSIDC) Read the expedition blog on http://iceshelf.wordpress.com. (View photo detail.)
Amy Leventer of Colgate College and Ronald Ross install an Extreme Ice Survey camera at Spring Point overlooking the Cayley Glacier calving front to the east, with the R/V Araon in the foreground. The Larsen Ice Shelf System, Antarctica (LARISSA) Project is a large, interdisciplinary, multi-institute study to explore every aspect of the deteriorating Larsen Ice Shelf region in Antarctica. Participating researchers set up instruments on the glaciers that feed into the remaining portion of the Larsen ice shelf. (Credit: Ted Scambos, NSIDC) Read the expedition blog on http://iceshelf.wordpress.com. (View photo detail.)
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