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Antarctica's Hektoria Glacier Loses Half Its Mass in Months

2/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

Hektoria Glacier in Antarctica lost nearly half its mass in two months in 2023, an unprecedented retreat.
The University of Colorado Boulder study attributes this collapse to flat bedrock that allows sections to lift off and float.
Researchers used satellite data and seismic instruments to confirm grounding and ice loss speed.
Findings suggest similar conditions in larger glaciers could accelerate global sea level rise, prompting identification of at-risk glaciers.

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Story summary

Hektoria Glacier in Antarctica lost nearly half its mass in two months in 2023, an unprecedented retreat.
The University of Colorado Boulder study attributes this collapse to flat bedrock that allows sections to lift off and float.
Researchers used satellite data and seismic instruments to confirm grounding and ice loss speed.
Findings suggest similar conditions in larger glaciers could accelerate global sea level rise, prompting identification of at-risk glaciers.