During the 9th National Antarctic Science Expedition, the level of glacier melting observed over the past two years at the Turkish Scientific Research Camp on Horseshoe Island once again underscored the importance of glaciers.
In December 2022, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly designated March 21 as "World Glaciers Day" and 2025 as the "International Year for Glacier Preservation" to emphasize glaciers' vital role in the climate and hydrological cycles, as well as their significance for local, national, and global economies.
This initiative, launched by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in collaboration with the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), aims to protect and strengthen freshwater resources, as their depletion poses long-term water security risks for millions. The crucial role of glaciers in Earth's climate and ecosystems is widely acknowledged. Antarctica's glaciers account for approximately 70% of the world's freshwater reserves, making their rapid melting a serious concern due to global warming. World Glaciers Day seeks to raise awareness of these changes and their impact on global climate balance.
The 9th National Antarctic Science Expedition was carried out under the auspices of the Presidency of Türkiye, coordinated by the Polar Research Institute of TÜBİTAK MAM, under the Ministry of Industry and Technology. The expedition's coordinator, Prof. Dr. Burcu Özsoy, emphasized the significance of March 21 as World Glaciers Day, stating:
"Why was a glacier day declared this year? During our expedition in Antarctica, as we navigated unstable waters on a swaying ship, we encountered numerous icebergs. These icebergs originally broke off from the mainland."
Prof. Dr. Özsoy warned about the serious dangers of melting glaciers:
"Just as ice added to a full glass of water causes it to overflow, icebergs breaking off from the landmass and entering the ocean contribute to rising sea levels. If all of Antarctica's glaciers were to melt, global sea levels could rise by 70 meters."
She also noted the increasing frequency of reports about massive icebergs breaking off and disappearing, adding:
"These glaciers are not only causing sea level rise but also serving as the backbone of our climate system. Losing them disrupts both ecosystems and climate stability."
Prof. Dr. Özsoy highlighted that environmental changes in Antarctica directly affect other continents, leading to extreme weather conditions. She further explained:
"The temperature changes and ice losses in polar regions have significant consequences. Continued carbon emissions accelerate ice melting in these regions, creating a feedback loop that we cannot escape. This interconnected system requires immediate attention. The declaration of World Glaciers Day is a crucial step toward raising awareness about glacier preservation and the importance of reducing carbon footprints."
Scientists use drones and satellite-based measurement methods to monitor melting in snow and glacier regions. In Türkiye's national Antarctic expeditions, these technologies, along with the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), help track critical parameters such as atmospheric water vapor, sea ice, and snow levels.
Under the "National Polar Science Strategy," researchers have been investigating global climate change—a top scientific priority at both national and international levels. Studies conducted between 2022 and 2023 revealed that approximately 100 square meters of snow and glacier areas have decreased by an average of 7 cubic meters. When extrapolated to Antarctica's scale, this loss equates to an ice mass the size of Türkiye.
Turkish scientists have observed that between 2023 and 2024, around 30-meter ice blocks have broken off from the Shoesmith Glacier on Horseshoe Island, equivalent in size to a 10-story building.
They warn that if glaciers continue melting at this rate, increasing atmospheric water vapor and greenhouse gas concentrations will accelerate global climate change.
A23a, one of the world's oldest and largest tracked icebergs, separated from Antarctica's Filchner Ice Shelf in 1986. While some scientists argue that its detachment was not directly linked to climate change, the iceberg eventually settled on the seafloor before breaking apart and melting due to ocean currents.
Icebergs that break off from glaciers and drift into the ocean take on various forms, classified into seven types. Recent climate change effects have increased the visibility of floating icebergs worldwide. Wind, ocean currents, and temperature variations influence their movement and distribution.
NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) actively monitor icebergs using satellite tracking programs.
