In October 2024, Pine Island Glacier, identified for its fast-paced retreat and frequent iceberg calving, revealed greater than its icy edge. This time, uncommon atmospheric exercise introduced consideration to the skies above Antarctica’s West Antarctic Ice Sheet. On October 10, the Operational Land Imager (OLI) on NASA’s Landsat 8 captured an distinctive picture exhibiting “sea smoke” and snow carried by highly effective winds.

These phenomena normally evade satellite tv for pc photos as a result of clouds typically block the view. Nevertheless, today was an exception, offering a uncommon take a look at near-surface atmospheric occasions, explained Christopher Shuman, a glaciologist from the College of Maryland, Baltimore County, primarily based at NASA’s Goddard House Flight Middle.

Sea Smoke on the Glacier’s Edge

Sea smoke, specifically, emerged prominently close to the glacier’s terminus and over open water at its northern boundary. This phenomenon arises because of the stark temperature distinction between the icy floor and surrounding waters. Sturdy winds pushed the ocean ice and water away from the glacier, drawing comparatively hotter water to the floor. When this hotter water meets the frigid air, it condenses into effective ice crystals, creating the looks of smoke over the ocean.

Winds Stirring Up Blowing Snow

On the identical time, intense winds whipped snow from the encircling ice sheet, including streams of white throughout the glacier. This blowing snow was particularly seen close to a turbulent space south of Pine Island Glacier, referred to as a shear zone, the place the collision of ice lots produces advanced formations.

The Affect of Antarctic Spring Winds on Ice Sheets

The power of those Antarctic winds, notably through the spring, is no surprise, Shuman famous. These katabatic winds, fashioned as chilly, dense air descends from the excessive inside to the coast, usually emerge after months of remoted, chilled air.

In areas like Pine Island, these winds can affect the polar ice sheet’s floor mass stability by transporting and sublimating snow. Whereas the affect of blowing snow on ice loss stays unsure, its affect is critical, and capturing these occasions affords perception into the altering dynamics of Antarctic ice sheets.