Markham Ice Shelf
The Markham Ice Shelf, once located on Ellesmere Island in Canada, has broken away and drifted into the Arctic ocean.
Fast Facts
- Markham Ice Shelf covered 20 square miles1
- Dated at 4,500 years old1
- Broke away in August 20081
- Was part of single ice shelf covering Ellesmere Island 100 years ago1
- Meltwater lakes were observed on the Markham Ice Shelf in 20051
Background
The Markham Ice Shelf was one of five ice shelves remaining on Ellesmere Island. During the last century, the single ice shelf that once covered the island has retreated over 90%, covering just under 400 square miles at the start of the 2008 summer. During the summer the Searson Ice Shelf and the Ward Hunt Ice Shelf have also lost large chunks of ice.1
Related Pages on Mahalo
Climate Change | Global Warming
Categories
