Major Calving event for Larsen C

[csnavywx]

 

The new berg is about the size of Delaware and has a mass of about 1 teraton (1000GT). This leaves the shelf in the most retreated position we've seen. The resulting concave geometry is similar to Larsen B's configuration several years before its collapse. With the encroachment of the critical -9C (annual) isotherm and increasing frequency of surface melt events on the surface of the shelf (particularly in the north), the stability of the shelf is now in question. The anchor point of the Bawden Ice Rise (just to the north of the break) is in particular question. Total SLR potential from collapse and speed-up of inlet glaciers is about 4 inches.

Supporting study:

Note this event closely followed Scenario II listed in the paper:

http://www.the-cryosphere.net/9/1223/2015/tc-9-1223-2015.pdf