Polar Melting

Description: This category includes events linked to the warming temperatures observed in parts of Alaska, Canada, Siberia, and Antarctica, as published in journal articles and technical reports. Information on the break-up of the Antarctica Peninsula ice shelves also comes from the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) website. Dr. Ted Scambos at NSIDC confirmed that the disintegration events listed on the map were unusual given our current understanding of the mechanics of ice shelves. Very large icebergs calving off other Antarctic ice shelves (e.g., Ross) were not included because they are considered to be part of the "normal" calving process.