Scientists reported that satellite images have revealed a significant portion of Antarctica's Wilkins Ice Shelf is collapsing rapidly in a region experiencing rapid warming. The collapse, which covers approximately 160 square miles (415 square km), was observed through satellite imagery from the University of Colorado's National Snow and Ice Data Center. The Wilkins Ice Shelf, a large expanse of floating ice spanning around 5,000 square miles (13,000 square km), is situated on the southwest Antarctic Peninsula, about 1,000 miles (1,600 km) south of South America. Lead scientist Ted Scambos described the scene as blocks of ice falling and breaking apart into the ocean, rather than just cracking off and drifting away. Events like these are rare occurrences, but it is important for us to gain a better understanding of them as they can result in the complete collapse of the ice shelf," stated Scambos. According to Scambos, a significant portion of the ice shelf is currently only being supported by a thin strip of ice. If this last "ice buttress" were to collapse, approximately half of the total ice shelf area could be lost within the next few years, Scambos noted. British Antarctic Survey scientist David Vaughan expressed in a statement that "This shelf is hanging by a thread." Scambos stated that a portion of the ice shelf exposed to the ocean is breaking apart in a familiar pattern observed in recent years, leading researchers to attribute it to climate warming. Satellite images captured the collapse starting on Feb. 28, with a large iceberg breaking off from the ice shelf's front, triggering further disintegration within the shelf. A plane was dispatched to capture photos of the disintegrating shelf. Scambos noted that while the ice shelf has been stable for hundreds of years, warmer temperatures and ocean waves are now causing it to break up. Over the last fifty years, the Antarctic Peninsula has experienced rapid warming, comparable to any other region on Earth, as stated by scientists. According to Scambos, the warming in the peninsula is directly linked to the rise in greenhouse gases and the resulting changes in atmospheric circulation around Antarctica. As the summer melt season in Antarctica draws to a close, he anticipates that the ice shelf will not immediately disintegrate further. However, in January, scientists will be monitoring closely to see if the deterioration continues.