GIANT ICE BOULDERS

Though it's a rare occurrence, there is a simple explanation for the giant ice boulders. Enormous sheets of ice form over Lake Michigan in winter. Chunks of the ice break off, growing layer by layer. As the growing chunks are tossed by waves they eventually form smooth, rounded balls which then wash up along the shores.

To find out more:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2285997/Hundreds-giant-ice-boulders-weighing-75-POUNDS-wash-ashore-Michigan-beach.html

LARGEST ICEBERG CALVING EVER FILMED

Watch the Youtube video (4mins) right through to see the amazing calving event in context.

Thanks to Mr Tapner for the link

http://www.youtube.com/embed/hC3VTgIPoGU?rel=0

Drilling begins at lake hidden beneath Antarctic

A British research team in Antarctica has launched a long-awaited project to hunt for life in a lake hidden beneath the ice-sheet.  A team of 12 scientists and engineers has begun work at remote Lake Ellsworth.  They are using a high-pressure hose and sterilised water at near boiling point to blast a passage through more than two miles of ice. The aim is to analyse ice waters isolated for up to 500,000 years. 

The process of opening a bore-hole is expected to last five days and will be followed by a rapid sampling operation before the ice refreezes. 

Lake Ellsworth is one of several hundred lakes known to exist beneath the ice-sheet - its waters kept just above freezing temperature by the warmth of the rocks below and by pressure melting 

For more information: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-20682647

CHASING ICE

The Daily Telegraph magazine today features an article about Glaciers and climate change. This is in advance of a film being released in UK cinemas on 14th December 

called 'Chasing Ice'. www.chasingice.co.uk