Ross Ice Shelf

The Ross Ice Shelf is a large floating platform of ice located in Antarctica, covering an area roughly the size of France. It acts as a barrier, slowing the flow of glaciers from the continent into the ocean. This shelf is crucial for understanding climate change, as its melting can contribute to rising sea levels. The Ross Ice Shelf is also home to unique ecosystems and serves as a base for scientific research, helping researchers study climate patterns and the effects of global warming. Its stability is vital for maintaining the Antarctic ice sheet.