Massive Antarctic crack grown by another six miles


An aerial video released by the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) has shown the true extent of a giant crack extending across Antarctica's Brunt Ice Shelf.

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Taken from the air and by an unmanned drone, the footage captures the depth and length of the crack.

It appears to extend far into the shelf and span a vast area.

The Daily Mail reports that the crack, which is more than 100 miles long, has grown by another six miles in just two weeks.

It is expected to snap off from Larsen C ice shelf and could create one the largest icebergs ever recorded, scientists say.

The "Halloween Crack" was discovered on 31 October 2016.

Meanwhile, the BBC reports that the British Antarctic Survey is to pull all of its staff out of its Halley base in March over safety reasons due to the crack.

In a statement, the research organisation said: "Changes to the ice, particularly the growth of a new crack, presents a complex glaciological picture that means that BAS scientists are unable to predict with certainty what will happen to the ice shelf during the forthcoming Antarctic winter.

"As a precautionary measure, BAS will remove its people before the Antarctic winter begins."

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