A recent study published in *Nature Communications* on July 2, 2025, utilized historical aerial photographs to enhance predictions of Antarctic ice shelf collapses. The research focused on the Wordie Ice Shelf, which collapsed in the late 20th century. This approach offers valuable insights into the mechanisms of ice shelf collapse.
In November 1966, American aircraft captured aerial photographs of the Wordie Ice Shelf, located south of the Antarctic Peninsula. Analyzing these images with modern techniques revealed that the primary driver of the Wordie Ice Shelf's collapse was melting from below, caused by rising sea temperatures.
The study suggests that ice shelf collapses may occur more slowly than previously thought, potentially reducing the immediate risk of rapid sea-level rise for smaller ice shelves like the Wordie. However, for larger ice shelves, the risk remains significant. Furthermore, recent research also highlights the importance of sea ice dynamics and the impact of ocean waves, not just melting from below.
The prolonged nature of these collapses underscores the need to halt greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate further climate change impacts and stabilize the Antarctic ice shelves.