The glacier Perito Moreno, an icon of Patagonia, is losing ice at an alarming rate. A team of researchers from the Catholic University of Chile and the University of Magallanes has documented more than 1,200 fractures in just 45 days, using an innovative combination of seismometers, interval cameras, and satellite data.
The alarming increase in fractures in the glacier
The most notable aspect of this study is that the fractures are not randomly distributed; instead, they concentrate in areas where the ice is more prone to deform and move rapidly. This phenomenon suggests that the Perito Moreno is not only cracking but also indicating potential breaking points.
An ice calving event may seem isolated, but it actually represents a complex process of constant vibrations and fractures, imperceptible to the human eye. According to seismologist Leoncio Cabrera, behind the apparent silence of the glacier, more ice falls than can be observed with the naked eye.
To reach these conclusions, the scientific team synchronized seismic records with images taken from November 24 to December 31, 2018. This methodology allowed them to create a detailed catalog of 1,230 calving events, similar to identifying a song from just a few seconds of sound.
The findings reveal that ice falls cluster in two key areas of the glacier, where the shape and movement of the ice increase instability. Not all parts of the glacier withstand the same tension, and some zones are more prone to fractures due to their movement and deformation.
While we cannot predict exactly when each calving will occur, this system allows for more precise mapping of the most active zones of the glacier. This information is crucial for understanding how the Perito Moreno and other glaciers respond to climate change.
The use of seismometers is especially advantageous because these devices can record vibrations regardless of the weather or time of day. Cabrera explains that these instruments allow us to “feel” the glacier in real time, functioning like a stethoscope on the ice.
This observation technique provides continuous data, thus complementing the limitations of satellites that depend on visibility conditions. However, it is important to note that the data analyzed corresponds to 2018, so it should not be taken as a constant representation of all years.
The innovative approach of this study opens new possibilities for more precise and constant glacier monitoring. Cryoseismology, which relies on seismic signals, promises to be a key tool for better understanding cold and hard-to-access environments.
The majestic rupture of large ice blocks from the Perito Moreno will continue to be a fascinating spectacle. Nonetheless, the true story lies in the small signals that the sensors have managed to capture, indicating the need for constant monitoring of these important frozen ecosystems.
