GNSS reveals fourfold turbulence during Antarctica’s Ross Ice Shelf melt

By Tracy CozzensPublished April 17, 2026

Sketch (not to scale) of GNSS sensitivity to atmospheric turbulence in Antarctica. GNSS stations can probe the spatiotemporal distribution of water vapor in the lower atmosphere because water vapor induces a measurable signal propagation delay. Water-vapor distribution is spatially homogeneous for a non-turbulent atmosphere and heterogeneous when the atmosphere is turbulent. (Credit: MIT)

Sketch (not to scale) of GNSS sensitivity to atmospheric turbulence in Antarctica. GNSS stations can probe the spatiotemporal distribution of water vapor in the lower atmosphere because water vapor induces a measurable signal propagation delay. Water-vapor distribution is spatially homogeneous for a non-turbulent atmosphere and heterogeneous when the atmosphere is turbulent. (Credit: MIT)

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Observations suggest a major melting event at the Ross Ice Shelf was connected to atmospheric turbulence.

The Ross Ice Shelf in Antarctica typically melts on its underside as warmer ocean water flows beneath. But in January 2016, an unusual melting episode occurred on its topside.

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