Researchers have uncovered significant insights into the melting of the Ronne Ice Shelf in Antarctica, revealing a cyclical pattern driven by tidal forces. In January 2015, a team headed by J. Anselin set out to do something far more ambitious. They expertly used new hot water drilling methods to drill 740 meters into the ice shelf. Their findings, published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans, highlight how the gravitational pull of the sun and moon influences ice melt every two weeks.
The Ronne Ice Shelf, the second largest in Antarctica and one of the largest in the world. Its indispensable service to the planet and humanity is helping regulate sea levels. Years of research have focused on understanding its behavior, including how quickly it will contribute in the future to global sea level rise. Their goal was to better understand the complexities of Antarctic ice melt, and what it means for our changing climate.
Groundbreaking Research Methodology
To better understand the overall ice thickness, the research team used cutting-edge remote sensing technologies and in-situ measurements. After the hot water drilling, they sent a radio echo sounder under the ice, as close as 15 meters from the mooring location. This tool proved to be an essential mechanism for assessing changes in ice thickness over time. The team made measurements around the clock every two hours for three years, giving the most complete picture yet of the ice shelf’s dynamics.
The initial measurements we recorded were transmitted to a solar-powered data logger located on the surface of the ice. The logger sent data back to researchers through satellite communication. This arrangement was essential for them to be able to monitor the health of the Ronne Ice Shelf in real-time. This study’s rigorous methodology shows a continued adaptation towards the goal of discerning the factors responsible for the increasingly observed ice melt in this sensitive region.
The Impact of Tidal Forces
These results illustrate just how much strong tides accelerate the melting process on the Ronne Ice Shelf. These various tidal forces cause an approximately bi-weekly, cyclical pattern of ice melt. The gravitational pull from the sun and moon influences the thickness of the ice shelf, leading to fluctuations in melting rates.
As tides come in and out, they push down on the ice shelf, accelerating the melting even further. This release is even more worrying with the demonstration that these releases can change the fundamental trajectory of global sea level rise. This accelerated melting has the potential to contribute to rising ocean levels, threatening coastal communities around the world with increased flooding and other dangers.
Future Implications and Continued Research
The J. Anselin and co-authors study is a great example of how continued research is clarifying the mechanisms behind Antarctic ice melt. As climate change increasingly shapes the planet’s temperature, tracking these changes is more important than ever. The cyclical nature of ice melt underscored in this study may have implications for climate models and future climate predictions.
These discoveries act as a call to action — a need to investigate other ice shelves throughout Antarctica. Scientists are broadening their approach to provide a more comprehensive view of what drives the ice melt. This newfound awareness will better equip them to understand the bigger picture and how it relates to climate change.