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‘Halloween Crack’ threatens to cut off British Antarctic station

On December 8, 2016, Digital Journal reported that preparations were under way to move the portable and modular research station to a new location, located 23 kilometers (14 miles) upstream on the Brunt Ice Shelf.

At that time, the primary focus was on a huge chasm that became active again in 2012, moving at a rate of about 1.7 kilometers (one mile) per year, threatening to cut the station off if it’s not relocated. In 2014, pre-move preparations were started in anticipation of the change in the station’s location being completed in the 2016-2017 season, reports the Verge.

One of the modules being towed to the current Halley Research Station location.

One of the modules being towed to the current Halley Research Station location.
British Antarctic Survey


While the relocation effort is nearly complete, the problem isn’t with the huge chasm, but with another crack that appeared in the ice shelf about 17kilometers (10.5 miles) to the north and east of the new base position. It has been dubbed the “Halloween Crack” because it was discovered on 31 October, reports the BBC.

“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,” the research organization said in a statement.

Location of the cracks on December 8  2016.

Location of the cracks on December 8, 2016.
British Antarctic Survey


The BAS doesn’t know if or when the Brunt ice shelf will collapse, nor do they know what affects a calving event will have on the ice sheet, reports Gizmodo. But they are not taking any chances. So as of March this year, the ice station will be shut down for the Antarctic winter, allowing the 88 scientists to go home for a short while.

The decision also makes a lot of sense because while rescue operations during the Antarctic summers are relatively easy, winter can be downright dangerous with rescuers having to deal with 24 hours of darkness, extremely low temperatures, and the frozen sea.

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We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our dear friend Karen Graham, who served as Editor-at-Large at Digital Journal. She was 78 years old. Karen's view of what is happening in our world was colored by her love of history and how the past influences events taking place today. Her belief in humankind's part in the care of the planet and our environment has led her to focus on the need for action in dealing with climate change. It was said by Geoffrey C. Ward, "Journalism is merely history's first draft." Everyone who writes about what is happening today is indeed, writing a small part of our history.

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