The Ward Hunt Ice Shelf: Recent Changes of the Ice Front

Abstract

Massive calving of the Ward Hunt Ice Shelf, northern Ellesmere Island, occurred between August 1961 and April 1962. An estimated 596 km.² of ice shelf with a volume of 18 to 24 km.³ became detached to form ice islands, five of which are very large with areas ranging from 70 to 140 km.². The fracture pattern and the subsequent drift of these ice islands are discussed.