Scientists reported that a significant portion of Antarctica's Wilkins Ice Shelf is collapsing in a rapidly warming area of the continent, as shown by satellite images. The collapse affected an area of about 160 square miles, according to data from the University of Colorado's National Snow and Ice Data Center. The Wilkins Ice Shelf, a large expanse of floating ice covering around 5,000 square miles, is situated on the southwest Antarctic Peninsula, approximately 1,000 miles south of South America. Ted Scambos, the lead scientist at the National Snow and Ice Data Center, described the event as blocks of ice breaking apart and falling into the ocean, rather than just cracking off and drifting away. These rare events are not frequently observed, but it is important to study them in order to gain a better understanding as they can result in the complete disintegration of the ice shelf," Scambos explained. According to Scambos, a significant portion of the ice shelf is currently being held up by a thin strip of ice. If this final "ice buttress" were to collapse, approximately half of the total ice shelf area could be lost within the next few years, Scambos stated. British Antarctic Survey scientist David Vaughan warned in a statement that "This shelf is hanging by a thread." According to Scambos, a section of the ice shelf that faces the ocean has started to break apart in a way that has been observed in a few locations over the past decade or so. In each case, it has been determined that this is due to climate change. The collapse began on Feb. 28 with a large iceberg breaking off, leading to further disintegration of the shelf. A plane was sent to capture photos of the shelf as it was falling apart. Scambos explained that while the ice shelf has been in place for centuries, rising temperatures and contact with ocean waves are contributing to its breakup. Over the last 50 years, the Antarctic Peninsula has experienced rapid warming, comparable to any other location on Earth, according to researchers. The increase in greenhouse gases is believed to be the main cause of this warming, affecting the atmospheric circulation around Antarctica. While the summer melt season in Antarctica is ending, experts do not anticipate immediate disintegration of the ice shelf. However, they will closely monitor any further deterioration that may occur in January.