Under the "National Polar Science Strategy," researchers have been investigating global climate change—a top scientific priority at both national and international levels. Studies conducted between 2022 and 2023 revealed that approximately 100 square meters of snow and glacier areas have decreased by an average of 7 cubic meters. When extrapolated to Antarctica's scale, this loss equates to an ice mass the size of Türkiye.
Turkish scientists have observed that between 2023 and 2024, around 30-meter ice blocks have broken off from the Shoesmith Glacier on Horseshoe Island, equivalent in size to a 10-story building.
They warn that if glaciers continue melting at this rate, increasing atmospheric water vapor and greenhouse gas concentrations will accelerate global climate change.
A23a, one of the world's oldest and largest tracked icebergs, separated from Antarctica's Filchner Ice Shelf in 1986. While some scientists argue that its detachment was not directly linked to climate change, the iceberg eventually settled on the seafloor before breaking apart and melting due to ocean currents.
Icebergs that break off from glaciers and drift into the ocean take on various forms, classified into seven types. Recent climate change effects have increased the visibility of floating icebergs worldwide. Wind, ocean currents, and temperature variations influence their movement and distribution.
NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) actively monitor icebergs using satellite tracking programs.
