The researchers hope the study will help the scientific community better understand the reasons for ice loss in the Antarctic. Unlike sea ice loss, which Christie said does not contribute to a rise in sea levels, shrinking grounding lines do. The Bellingshausen Sea is difficult to study: it's home to year-round sea ice and heavy snow. The ice loss along the Bellingshausen Sea's coast is thought to be due to warm ocean water. The grounding line is the point where ice that rests on bedrock detaches and begins to float.

Source: CBC News June 04, 2016 03:22 UTC