A new island has appeared in the middle of a glacier in Alaska

A new island has appeared in Alaska due to the rapid melting of glaciers. It was not there a month ago. This is evidenced by satellite photos published by NASA. The island became visible from space during the summer, when a small mountain in the middle of the ice turned into a new island in the region.

This elevation in Glacier Bay National Park called Prow Knob is surrounded by water on all sides. Previously, for centuries, it was surrounded by the Alsek Glacier. Now Prow Knob is located as a separate island in Alsek Lake, which was once a glacier and has now expanded from 45 to 75 square kilometers.

This transformation changes not only the geography, but also affects the hydrology, vegetation, sediment transport and ecosystem dynamics. New coastlines are also being formed, river flows are changing, and some animal species are beginning to colonize the newly formed terrain.

The creation of lakes also affects the ecology. Previously, this ice reflected sunlight, but now the darker surfaces will absorb more and more heat, which will accelerate further melting of the glaciers. Fauna also suffers, because animals that are adapted to the high-altitude glacial environment do not have sufficient habitat. And new species that appear against this background change the food chains.

Earlier we wrote that scientists have confirmed the existence of a fifth ocean on Earth.

To be continued…