Hektoria Glacier sets modern retreat record in Antarctica
Updated
Updated · Science@NASA · May 4
Hektoria Glacier sets modern retreat record in Antarctica
13 articles · Updated · Science@NASA · May 4
Between January 2022 and March 2023, the eastern Antarctic Peninsula glacier shrank 25km, including more than 8km in two months, the fastest grounded glacier ice loss recorded in modern history.
Scientists said ocean-swell breakup of landfast sea ice removed support, then buoyancy-driven calving over a flat ice plain caused the second collapse stage and direct sea-level-rise contribution.
The retreat followed the 2002 Larsen B ice shelf collapse; Hektoria has since stabilised somewhat, but researchers warn larger glaciers with similar geometry could face more consequential losses as the peninsula warms.
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A tiny glacier just rewrote the speed limit for ice collapse. Is the massive 'Doomsday Glacier' primed for a similar fate?
As melting glaciers become fjords, could they create new carbon sinks and unexpectedly help fight climate change?
Hektoria Glacier’s Record 25-Kilometer Retreat in 15 Months Signals Rapid Antarctic Ice Loss
Overview
The Hektoria Glacier in Antarctica experienced a record-breaking retreat from early 2022 to early 2023, losing 25 kilometers in length. This rapid collapse was triggered by the breakup of protective fast ice in early 2022, which had formed after the 2002 disintegration of the Larsen B ice shelf that initially accelerated the glacier's flow. Warmer ocean currents and atmospheric warming weakened this fast ice, exposing the glacier's terminus to the ocean. Subsequently, warm water intruded beneath the glacier, filling cracks and causing buoyancy-driven collapse of grounded ice slabs. This chain reaction led to an unprecedented rapid retreat and glacier earthquakes, highlighting vulnerabilities shared by larger glaciers like Thwaites.