In December, a significant melting event in Antarctica led to record-breaking ponding of meltwater on the Amery Ice Shelf, captured by NASA. The phenomenon, observed annually, marked an unprecedented level this season. These turquoise ponds develop due to climate change, weakening the shelf and leading to increased glacier flow into the ocean, contributing to rising sea levels. The Amery Ice Shelf is recognized as particularly vulnerable, serving as an indicator of broader climate shifts, with predictions of increased future ponding and associated risks for global sea levels.
"What is interesting this year is that this is a record amount of ponding at this point in the season, and that's consistent with what we would expect from a warming atmosphere."
"Anytime you weaken the ice shelf at all, you know that it's going to result in an acceleration of the glaciers that feed into it, and that glacier acceleration means more sea level rise."
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