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Growing crack in Larsen-C ice shelf

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April 20, 2017

The European Space Agency (ESA) released this animation on April 20, 2017. It’s based on images from the Copernicus Sentinel-1 satellite mission, which is monitoring the growing crack in Antarctica’s Larsen-C ice shelf. When the ice shelf breaks off or calves, it’ll create one of the largest icebergs ever recorded.

But, ESA said, exactly how long this will take is difficult to predict.

This animation demonstrates how scientists analyse radar data from Sentinel-1 to monitor the crack. It shows the usefulness of combining radar images to create an interferogram, to gain insights into the ice flow.

Bottom line: Animation of the crack in Larsen-C.

Via ESA

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April 20, 2017

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Earth

Deborah Byrd

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Deborah Byrd (asteroid 3505 Byrd) helps edit EarthSky.org and is a frequent host of EarthSky videos. Deborah created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and founded EarthSky.org in 1994. Prior to that, she had worked for the University of Texas McDonald Observatory since 1976, and created and produced their Star Date radio series. She has won a galaxy of awards from the broadcasting and science communities, including having an asteroid named in her honor in 1990, a Public Service Award from the National Science Board in 2003, and the Education Prize from the American Astronomical Society in 2020. A science communicator and educator since 1976, Byrd believes in science as a force for good in the world and a vital tool for the 21st century. "Being an EarthSky editor is like hosting a big global party for cool nature-lovers," she says.