Scientists announced that satellite images have revealed a significant portion of Antarctica's Wilkins Ice Shelf is collapsing rapidly due to the warming climate in the region. The collapse covers an area of approximately 160 square miles, according to data from the University of Colorado. The Wilkins Ice Shelf, which is a large expanse of floating ice spanning 5,000 square miles, is situated on the southwest Antarctic Peninsula, around 1,000 miles south of South America. Lead scientist Ted Scambos described the event as ice blocks breaking and falling into the ocean, causing the shelf to completely shatter. These types of occurrences are rare, but it is crucial to study them in order to gain a better understanding as they could result in the complete disappearance of the ice shelf," Scambos explained. According to Scambos, a significant portion of the ice shelf is currently being held up by a small 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. British Antarctic Survey scientist David Vaughan stated: "This shelf is on the brink of collapse." Scambos explained that a portion of the ice shelf, which faces the ocean, is breaking apart in a familiar pattern that has been observed in other locations over the past decade or so. He stated that in each instance, it has been determined to be a consequence of global warming. The collapse of the ice shelf was first documented on Feb. 28 through satellite images, revealing a large iceberg breaking away from the southwestern front of the shelf, triggering a rapid disintegration of the interior. A plane was dispatched to capture photos of the disintegrating shelf from above. Scambos noted that the ice shelf has existed for several centuries, but rising temperatures and exposure to ocean waves are causing it to fragment. In the last fifty years, the Antarctic Peninsula has experienced rapid warming, comparable to any other region on Earth, according to scientists. The increase in greenhouse gases is closely linked to this warming, along with changes in atmospheric circulation around Antarctica. Although the summer melt season in Antarctica is ending, scientists do not anticipate immediate further disintegration of the ice shelf. However, they will closely monitor the situation in January to see if the ice continues to break apart.