Pine Island Glacier

Birth of a Giant Iceberg

Video by Live Science

In October of 2011, NASA scientists discovered a 19-mile long crack in this Pine Island Glacier Ice Shelf. The crack is destined to extend all the way across the ice shelf, creating a massive iceberg larger than New York City (350 square miles). While calving glaciers is a natural process additional observations indicate a warming climate is driving rapid changes at the interface of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet and the Amundsen Sea, including the Pine Island Glacier.

Ocean-Ice Interaction beneath the Pine island Glacier Ice Shelf

Graphics by Dr. Robert Bindshadler

Known changes along the edges of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet suggests increasingly warm water is melting the undersides of ice shelves increasing the flow of glacier ice off West Antarctica. The resulting deterioration of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet will drive higher sea levels and cause worldwide coastal flooding.

Satellite Image of Pine Island Glacier showing a massive crack across the ice shelf

Photo by NASA

In an effort to improve our understanding of climate change and the West Antarctic Ice Sheet the National Science Foundation and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) have launched a scientific study titled Ocean-Ice Interaction in the Amundsen Sea: the Keystone to Ice-Sheet Stability.

Return to Pine Island Glacier, Antarctica

Video by SpaceReports

Satellite, aerial, and submarine observations have been important tools for observing change. However, they have limitations and direct observations are needed. To deploy instruments that can accurately measure what’s going on researchers need time on the surface of the glacier.

But first we need to get there.

The 400-mile 2012 “PIG Traverse Route”

My role in this project is two-fold. First I will be the navigator of a 400-mile overland tractor traverse to deliver fuel and supplies to the Pine Island Glacier. To avoid driving into a crevasse I use Ground Penetrating Radar. A GPS Receiver with pre-programmed waypoints will ensure I don’t get us lost.

Detecting Crevasses with GSSI Ground Penetrating Radar

After arriving at the heavily crevassed Pine Island Glacier I will assist more directly in the research by utilizing my experience and training as a mountaineer and guide to ensure two Bell ASTAR Helicopters have safe places to land and scientists safe places to work.

A satellite image of several proposed landing sites on the heavily crevassed Pine Island Glacier

Photo by the Polar Geospatial Center

The irony of using large quantities of fossil fuels to study of the impacts of climate change is not lost. However, traversing as opposed to flying fuel and supplies will significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the study. And if successful, the CO₂  emitted can be justified by better understanding our home planet and its questionable future.