According to scientists, satellite images have revealed that a large portion of the Wilkins Ice Shelf in Antarctica is collapsing due to rapidly increasing temperatures in the area. The collapse has affected an area of about 160 square miles, as reported by the University of Colorado's National Snow and Ice Data Center. The Wilkins Ice Shelf is a vast expanse of floating ice covering approximately 5,000 square miles, situated on the southwest Antarctic Peninsula, around 1,000 miles south of South America. Lead scientist Ted Scambos described the event as ice blocks crumbling and falling into the ocean, causing the shelf to shatter completely rather than breaking off in pieces. These types of occurrences are rare, but we aim to gain a better understanding of them as they can result in the complete disappearance of the ice shelf," Scambos explained. He mentioned that a significant portion of the ice shelf is currently being held up by a thin strip of ice. If this last "ice buttress" gives way, approximately half of the total ice shelf area could be lost in the near future. British Antarctic Survey scientist David Vaughan also expressed concern, stating that "This shelf is hanging by a thread." Scambos explained that a section of the ice shelf exposed to the ocean is breaking apart in a familiar pattern seen in other places over the last decade or so, with the cause being attributed to climate warming. The collapse was first observed on Feb. 28 through satellite images, showing a large iceberg measuring 25.5 by 1.5 miles falling away from the ice shelf's southwestern front, leading to a rapid disintegration of the interior. A plane was dispatched to capture photographs of the disintegrating shelf. According to Scambos, the ice shelf has been stable for several hundred years, but recent exposure to warm air and ocean waves has triggered its breakup. Over the last 50 years, the Antarctic Peninsula has experienced rapid warming, comparable to any other place on Earth, as stated by scientists. The increase in greenhouse gases and alterations in atmospheric circulation around Antarctica are believed to be the main factors causing this warming. While the summer melt season in Antarctica is concluding, experts do not anticipate immediate further disintegration of the ice shelf. However, come January, scientists will be monitoring closely to see if the ice continues to break apart.