Ice-shelf stability

Iceberg calving, resulting in loss of contact with pinning points, causes a reduction in ice-shelf buttressing. As a consequence, ice velocities and the rate of horizontal spreading around the grounding line increases. With time this can lead to ice-shelf thinning and grounding-line retreat. Melt ponds form on the ice-shelf surface in response to warm air temperatures, and warm ocean water melts the ice shelf at its base.