Abstract
Following the large-scale disintegration of the Larsen B Ice Shelf (LBIS) in 2002, ice flow velocities for its remnants and tributary glaciers began to increase. In this study, we used sequential Landsat images spanning 2005–2018 to produce detailed maps of the ice flow velocities and surface features for the Scar Inlet Ice Shelf (SIIS). Our results indicate that the ice flow velocities for the SIIS and its tributary glaciers (Flask and Leppard Glaciers) have substantially increased since 2005. Surface features, such as rifts and crevasses, have also substantially increased in both scope and scale and are particularly evident in the region between the Leppard Glacier and the Jason Peninsula. Several indicators—including the acceleration of ice flows, the rapid growth of major surface rifts, the heavily enhanced surface crevasses, and the dynamic position of the ice front—point to the evolving instability of the SIIS. These same indicators describe the conditions for the LBIS leading up to its 2002 collapse. To date, however, the SIIS remains intact. The formation of fast ice supporting the ice shelf front, combined with moderate mean summer temperatures, may be preventing or delaying its collapse.
Highlights
The Larsen B Ice Shelf (LBIS) is located along the eastern Antarctic Peninsula (65◦ 300 S, 61◦ W), extending from the northern part of Robertson Island to the southern part of the Jason Peninsula.During the past 25 years, the LBIS has experienced several large-scale disintegration events, losing approximately 2320 and 3250 km2 of ice area in 1995 and 2002, respectively [1]
We build upon and provide a continuum framework for the previous work, assimilated and analyzed long-term observations of ice front positions, surface features, and ice flow velocities for the Scar Inlet Ice Shelf (SIIS) based on sequential Landsat satellite images spanning 2005–2018, thereby providing a constant change in the frontal position and surface features both in time and space across 14 years and extending the time series to cover ice flow velocities up to 2018
In the subsequent section of ice flow velocity analysis, it is necessary to determine the location of tributary glaciers based on the locations of the grounding line, and the appropriate grounding line should be selected first
Summary
The Larsen B Ice Shelf (LBIS) is located along the eastern Antarctic Peninsula (65◦ 300 S, 61◦ W), extending from the northern part of Robertson Island to the southern part of the Jason Peninsula. The collapse of LBIS has led to a decrease in backstress [5,6], a striking flow acceleration of the ice shelf and its tributaries [7,8,9], and a decline in surface elevation [7,8] These further led to increased ice discharge and contributed mass discharged into the ocean [10]. Recent studies [16,20,21] have reported substantial changes in the remnant LBIS, namely the Scar Inlet Ice Shelf (SIIS), and its tributary glaciers during the same time, suggesting that the ice front retreat, ice flow acceleration, and enhanced surface features are key indicators producing its instability.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
