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A giant iceberg the size of Greater London broke off from Antarctica’s Brunt Ice Shelf in 2023 — and now, scientists believe tides may be the surprising trigger. New research reveals how spring tides, high winds, and ice stress combined to cause the dramatic calving of iceberg A81. Glaciologist Oliver Marsh had predicted the event, marking a breakthrough in understanding how and why these massive icebergs break free.

This short video explains what happened, what it means for global sea levels, and why future iceberg breakups may be even more unpredictable. As climate change accelerates the melting of Antarctica’s ice, scientists warn we are entering uncharted territory.
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Transcript
00:00Imagine a chunk of ice the size of Greater London suddenly breaking off from Antarctica.
00:04That's exactly what happened in 2023, and scientists now believe they know why.
00:09Turns out, ocean tides may be the secret trigger behind these massive iceberg breakups.
00:14Glaciologist Oliver Marsh wasn't shocked when Iceberg A81 calved from the Brunt ice shelf.
00:20He had studied the growing crack for years and predicted it would break soon.
00:23And it did, right at the peak of a powerful spring tide.
00:27That's when ocean levels swing most dramatically.
00:31New research confirms tides, high winds, and ice stress teamed up to cause the breakup.
00:36After A81 detached, Marsh visited the site, where once there was endless ice, now only open ocean.
00:43Though calving is a natural process, Antarctica is losing ice faster than ever,
00:48because ice sheets are melting rapidly from warming oceans.
00:51And now, the balance is broken.
00:53More massive breakups are expected.
00:55But predicting when they'll happen?
00:57Still a mystery.

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