NASA released amazing close-up images of the giant new iceberg in Antarctica
NASA is on a mission to collect as much information as it can about the Larsen C ice shelf and its new A-68 iceberg. When A-68 broke off of Larsen C earlier this year, it was a historic event. A-68 is one of the largest icebergs ever to break off Antarctica.
While the event didn't make sea levels rise, it did remove a large chunk of one of Antarctica's ice shelves that help protect against sea level rise. The more chunks that chip away from Larsen C means the closer we come to making an open gateway for ice on Antarctica to enter the ocean. Once that land ice hits the shores, sea levels worldwide will rise up. Following is a transcript of the video.
In July, Antarctica lost a chunk of ice the size of Delaware. The new iceberg is named A-68.
NASA just released these close-ups of the gigantic iceberg.
A shot of A-68 on the right and the Larsen C ice shelf it left behind. A giant watery gap separates them.
A close up of A-68. Its western edge towering above the icy waters.
Another shot of A-68's pristine edge.
A trail of ice leads up to a-68's cliffs.
A final shot of A-68's northern edge in the distance. See the bridge of water separating it from Larsen C.
A-68 is one of Antarctica's largest icebergs on record. Earth's temperature is warming up, which could accelerate more events like this.
Studying A-68 and Larsen C will help scientists know what to expect for the future.