Ice core survey shows tenfold increase in Antarctic melt

A study led by researchers from the British Antarctic Survey has indicated that summer ice melt has increased tenfold in the Antarctic Peninsula over the past 1,000 years, the British Antarctic Survey has reported. Most of the intensification occurring in the last 50 years

Researchers studied a 364-meter long ice core taken from the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula to gauge ice melt. By measuring the thickness of the visible layers that form in the ice during periods of thawing and refreezing, scientists were able to compare summer ice melt over the past millennium.

The data could play an important role in the future by helping scientists understand how even small temperature changes can impact Antarctic ice melt.

Image: Ice core camp (Credit: Natural Environment Research Council)