Website Synopsis:

Beginning on January 31st 2002 and continuing over the course of the next thirty five days 3250km² of the Larsen-B ice shelf in Antarctica disintegrated (4). The size and speed with which this huge piece of ancient ice collapsed shocked scientists and heralded in new fears about the immediate consequences of global warming. It also provided a unique opportunity for learning about the effects of ice shelf breakup on the West Antarctic ice sheet. Three years later, what has been learned about the cause of this cataclysmic incident and its effect on the continent?

Section Summaries:

• History and Recession: Details the ancient and recent history of the Larson ice shelf, culminating in the 2002 collapse of Larsen-B with accompanying satellite photographs.
• Research on the Collapse: Several theories have emerged that attempt to explain the expedient collapse of the Larsen ice shelf based on satellite and climate data. Ongoing research on the Larsen shelf in the Antarctic Peninsula has also led to new discoveries about the ramifications of the collapse on the West Antarctic ice sheet.
• Conclusions: Given what led up to and what has happened since the disintegration of Larsen-B, what can be extrapolated about the future of the West Antarctic ice sheet with regard to the current changes in the world's climate?
• References: Citations and links to other informative sites about Antarctica and the Larsen-B event.

Location of the Larsen-B ice shelf.