What is the term that describes the loss of glacier by iceberg formation?

Glacier Calving: When Icebergs Are Born

Ever seen a glacier just give birth? Okay, maybe not quite like that, but the term for when chunks of ice break off a glacier to form icebergs is called calving, or glacier calving, or even iceberg calving. Whatever you call it, it’s a pretty spectacular sight! It’s basically how glaciers “lose weight,” shedding ice into the water or, sometimes, even onto dry land.

So, how does this actually happen? Well, think of a glacier inching its way forward, like a slow-motion bulldozer. As it moves, the ice gets stressed. Imagine bending a paperclip back and forth – eventually, it snaps, right? Same idea. All that forward motion makes the edge of the glacier unstable. Cracks form, little ones at first, then they grow into big ol’ crevasses. These crevasses essentially carve out blocks of ice, ready to break free.

And it’s not just the forward push. Sometimes, the ice stretches out, especially near the edge where it’s flowing faster. This stretching pulls the ice apart, creating even more cracks. Other times, if a glacier thins out enough to float, the water pushes up, bending the ice and causing it to crack from underneath. Nature’s got a few tricks up her sleeve!

Now, there are different flavors of calving, if you will. You’ve got tabular calving, where these huge, flat icebergs break off. Think of them as giant, icy pancakes. These are common in Antarctica, and they are seriously impressive. Then you have non-tabular calving, which is just your more regular, lumpy icebergs breaking off. And don’t forget submarine calving, where the action happens underwater!

The result of all this calving? Icebergs, of course! These icy wanderers come in all shapes and sizes, from tiny “bergy bits” and “growlers” to massive ice islands that could swallow a small town. And because ice is less dense than water, they float, with only about 10% of their bulk visible above the surface. That means there’s a whole lot more iceberg lurking beneath the waves than you might think!

Now, here’s where things get a little less picturesque. While calving is a natural process, climate change is throwing a wrench in the works. With temperatures rising, glaciers are melting faster, which means more calving. And all that extra ice melting into the ocean? Well, it contributes to sea level rise. In fact, the IPCC says that glacier calving is responsible for about 10% of the sea level rise we’re seeing today. That’s a pretty big deal!

So, glacier calving is more than just a cool natural phenomenon. It’s a powerful force shaping our planet, and it’s also a stark reminder of the impact we’re having on the environment. It’s a beautiful, yet concerning, display of nature’s power.