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Satellite images show sea smoke rising over Pine Island Glacier.
A rare picture of the Landsat 8 satellite, which belongs to the US Geological Survey, showed an unusual atmospheric phenomenon over the Pine Island glacier in Antarctica, writes Newsweek.
The picture shows the so-called "sea smoke" rising above the glacier. The Pine Island Glacier is considered one of the most important and vulnerable ice masses on the continent.
Thanks to the clear sky, it was possible to film two unique atmospheric phenomena at once: sea smoke that forms on the edge of the glacier, as well as snow streams that are lifted by powerful winds. They blow from the depths of Antarctica to the coast.
Such unique near-surface atmospheric phenomena are usually hidden beneath clouds, says glaciologist Christopher Shuman of the Goddard Space Flight Center.
Sea smoke is a phenomenon that resembles the steam rising from a hot cup of coffee. Such sea smoke is formed as a result of the process of interaction of ice, water and air. Thus, strong winds drive water and sea ice away from the front of the glacier, causing warmer water to rise closer to the surface.
Such relatively warm water meets the cold Antarctic air, after which a condensation effect is created. During this process, ice crystals are formed, which from a height look like barely noticeable jets rising from the surface of the water upwards.
Pine Island Glacier, like its neighbor Thwaites Glacier, is a critical pathway for ice flow from the West Antarctic Ice Sheet to the Amundsen Sea. But recently, this glacier is known for its very rapid melting. Huge icebergs break off from it, the size of which is so large that they are even given official names.
In addition, in the pictures you can also see streams of white snow, which are carried by powerful spring winds. They can be seen more clearly near the southern edge of the glacier, where they are born from broken ice.
"You shouldn't be surprised at the strength of this kind of wind coming from the depths of Antarctica with all the accumulated cold air that has been isolated there for many months," says Shuman.
