Your School. Your Paper. Since 1936.

The Suffolk Journal

Your School. Your Paper. Since 1936.

The Suffolk Journal

Your School. Your Paper. Since 1936.

The Suffolk Journal

Suffolk Climate Watch: Coldest environments heating up?

Suffolk+Climate+Watch+graphic
Hunter Berube
Suffolk Climate Watch graphic

The Amery Ice Shelf experienced its largest break-off in 50 years when a 347 billion ton iceberg fell off the third largest ice shelf in Antarctica, according to CBS News. The iceberg, identified as D-28, is larger than Los Angeles and equal to about 27 Manhattan Islands.

The iceberg, spreading over nearly 1000 square miles of ice,  separated from East Antarctica and was discovered by glaciologist, Helen Fricker, according to CBS. The separation itself took place on Sept. 26 near the “Loose Tooth,” a famous location on the continent.

For nearly 20 years, scientists from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and Australian Antarctic Program, have been watching over the “Tooth,” expecting to see some kind of break years ago. USA Today mentions that although it took some time, a tear was noticed in the early 2000’s and a fall-off was predicted between 2010 and 2015. Since the prediction was anticipated by scientists for almost two decades, they are eager to see what comes next.

“I am excited to see this calving event after all these years. We knew it would happen eventually,” said Scripps Professor Helen Amanda Fricker, NBC reports. The coldest environment on Earth is beginning to warm, and many are blaming climate change as the cause. By the end of this century, the continent is predicted to warm over five degrees fahrenheit.

“The calving will not directly affect sea level because the ice shelf was already floating, much like an ice cube in a glass of water,” said Glaciologist Ben Galton-Fenzi, according to USA.

Many think this is due to climate change. Sea levels have been rising because of ice melting in the continent. However, scientists were quick to dismiss this idea of having to do with such an international crisis.

Fricker stated this is part of an ice shelf’s cycle. The normality leads for events like these to happen every 60-70 years. Scientists belonging to the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies say they do not believe the event is linked with climate change.

Leave a Comment
More to Discover
About the Contributors
Olivia Acevedo, World News Editor | she/her
Olivia is a senior majoring in print/web journalism while double minoring in advertising and environmental studies. When she isn’t sprinting from place to place on campus, she likes to spend her time with her dog and attend sporting events. Olivia is originally from West Springfield, Massachusetts and has a passion for animals and history.  Follow Olivia on Twitter @OliviaAcevedo12 Email her at [email protected]
Hunter Berube, Cartoonist/Staff Writer | he/him
Hunter is a senior broadcast journalism major at Suffolk University who hopes to be a producer in the future. He has created two student-run shows through his work study position at Suffolk's Studio 73. Through his internship at Dirty Water Media, Hunter produces his own live show that streams on NECN. When he's not drawing or on the ice, you can find him eating poutine at Saus. Follow Hunter on Twitter @HunterBerube Email him at [email protected]

Comments (0)

All The Suffolk Journal Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Activate Search
Suffolk Climate Watch: Coldest environments heating up?