To read the entire article, please visit New York Times.

To listen to the full interview, please visit CBC.

A new study has been published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Earth Surface (AGU, 2025), which provides a comprehensive detailing of how the progressive disintegration has been taking place over the last two decades. The study has been published from the Centre for Earth Observation Sciences and led by Debangshu Banerjee, a recent graduate student from the Centre for Earth Observation Science (CEOS), together with Dr. Karen Alley (Assistant Professor, CEOS) and Dr. David Lilien (Assistant Professor, Indiana University Bloomington and former Research Associate at CEOS). The research is part of the TARSAN (Thwaites-Amundsen Regional Survey and Network) project, one of the components of the International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration (ITGC) – a major U.S.–U.K. research initiative studying the processes driving change in the Thwaites Glacier of West Antarctica. Renowned glaciologists Dr. Ted Scambos, Dr. Martin Truffer, Dr. Adrian Luckman, and Dr. Erin Pettitt have also been a part of this research.

A series of diagrams showing the shear strain rates and flow divergence of the An image showing ice flow speed at the Thwaites Glacier from 2014 to 2021.

A series of diagrams showing a trend in ice-flow speed and the strain rates from 2006 to 2022.

Drawing on two decades (2002–2022) of satellite imagery, ice-flow velocity measurements, and in-situ GPS records, the team traced the evolution of fractures within the TEIS shear zone and their connection to changes in ice dynamics. The analysis revealed that the gradual development of these fractures led to the shelf’s progressive detachment from its pinning point, causing accelerated flow upstream and a loss of mechanical stability. The study identifies four distinct stages in this weakening process and offers two key insights. First, the fractures developed in two phases: an initial propagation of long, flow-parallel fractures, followed by shorter fractures oriented perpendicular to the direction of ice flow. Second, the researchers found evidence for a positive feedback mechanism between fracture-induced damage and ice acceleration—an amplifying cycle that hastened the shelf’s disintegration in recent years.

Two graphs that show the mid-shelf area of TEIS and the upstream pinning point from 2002 to 2022.

The research highlights how the pinning point, once a major stabilizing force for the TEIS, has gradually transitioned into a destabilizing agent through four distinct stages. This pattern of ice-shelf disintegration may serve as a warning for other Antarctic ice shelves that are currently showing similar signs of weakening. The continued loss of these floating ice shelves could have significant implications for the Antarctic Ice Sheet’s future contribution to global sea-level rise.

You can read more from the publication using the following DOI: https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2025JF008352

Use the following link to learn more about the awards offered through the Riddell Faculty – https://umanitoba.ca/environment-earth-resources/student-experience/funding-and-awards

Direct Entry Admission Scholarship

• Sarah Gledson
• Gavin Stewart
• Heidi Reimer
• Sarah Despins
• John Ziehlke

Indigenous Direct Entry Admission Scholarship

• Annie Gauthier

Undergraduate Admission Scholarship

• Evin Perch
• Samantha Pauls
• Taylor Letham
• Sydney Ostermann
• Jack Goertzen

Indigenous Undergraduate Admission Scholarship 2025–2026

• Anabella Perez

Women in the Physical Sciences Scholarship 2025–2026

• Alexandria Shupenia
• Kateesha Wai
• Gina Bilic
• Jessica Kristof
• Abigayle Wawrykow
• Emilie Tougas
• Alexandra Mitchell
• Mya Stam
• Sara Bergen
• Kendal Courchaine

Diana Loranger Memorial Scholarship

• Kendal Courchaine

Dr. George Brownell Memorial Scholarship

• Mitchell Baker
• Sisara Samaradiwakara

Joseph Wolinsky Scholarship

• Ayub Regehr

Mike and Lesia Muzylowski Scholarships of Excellence (Geological Sciences)

• Ellis Williams
• Mitchell Baker
• Kendal Courchaine

Roscoe R. Miller Scholarship

• Ayub Regehr

Tire Stewardship Manitoba – Moe Tresoor Scholarship in Environmental Studies

• Emma Scarth
• Jack Pilkey
• India Friesen

William J. Hill Memorial Award

• Abigayle Wawrykow

Graduate Entrance Scholarship

• Grace Thomson
• Yiseul Kang
• Julius Odei
• Muditha Goonetilleke
• Ezinne Ugwu
• Thilini Henak Gedara
• Francis Asare
• Tristan Jourbane
• Abir Mohd Shakib Shahide
• Julia Deveau
• Jonathan Robinson
• Carlie O’Brien

Rita Wadien Memorial Scholarship

• Issac Jacques

Paul R. Beaudoin Memorial Geochemistry Scholarship

• Kendal Courchaine
• Westley Sharpe

Philip and Marjorie Eckman Scholarships

• Abigayle Wawrykow
• Matthew Friesen

Kenneth Bergwall Memorial Scholarship

• Matthew Friesen

EGM Scholarship in Geological Sciences

• Matthew Friesen

This research demonstrates that these apex predators are a crucial link between the marine and terrestrial ecosystems. By hunting seals on the sea ice and abandoning the remains, polar bears transfer a substantial amount of energy from the ocean to the ice surface, making it accessible to other animals. The study identifies at least 11 vertebrate species known to benefit from this carrion, including Arctic foxes and ravens, with an additional eight potential scavenger species.

“Our findings quantify for the first time, the sheer scale of polar bears as a food provider to other species and the interconnectedness of their ecosystem,” says Holly Gamblin, lead author of the study and PhD Candidate in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Science. “What is apparent from this review is that there is no other species that adequately replaces how a polar bear hunts, in which they drag their prey from the water to the sea ice and leave substantial remains for other species to access.”

Past research has emphasized that continued warming in the Arctic and the resulting loss of sea ice directly endanger polar bear populations. However, this new research highlights that a decline in polar bears would not only impact the species itself but the loss of the carrion they provide could have significant consequences for the entire Arctic ecosystem.

“Our research highlights the important role of polar bears as carrion providers,” says Dr. Nicholas Pilfold, Scientist in Population Sustainability at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. “The sea ice acts as a platform for many species to access scavenging resources provided by polar bears, and ultimately, declines in sea ice will reduce access to this energy source. Our findings indicate that documented declines in polar bear abundance in two subpopulations have already resulted in the loss of more than 300 tonnes of food resources for scavengers annually.”

These findings highlight the interdependence of arctic wildlife species and their shared vulnerabilities in the face of rapid environmental change. With polar bear populations continuing to decline, this research underscores the urgency of conservation efforts to protect them, not only for their own sake but for the species that rely on them.

Link to study: https://www.authorea.com/users/793787/articles/1290812-predators-and-scavengers-polar-bears-as-marine-carrion-providers?commit=8312ffd1b368d798b4758110ab2c469160173010

DOI: 10.22541/au.174585452.23211757/v1

About San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance 

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, a nonprofit conservation leader, inspires passion for nature and collaboration for a healthier world. The Alliance supports innovative conservation science through global partnerships and groundbreaking efforts at the world-famous San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, both leading zoological institutions and accredited botanical gardens. Through wildlife care expertise, cutting-edge science and continued collaboration, more than 44 endangered species have been reintroduced to native habitats. The Alliance reaches over 1 billion people annually through its two conservation parks and media channels in 170 countries, including San Diego Zoo Wildlife Explorers television, available in children’s hospitals across 14 countries. Wildlife Allies—members, donors and guests—make success possible. 

About University of Manitoba

The University of Manitoba (UM) is recognized as Western Canada’s first university. It is part of the U15, ranking among Canada’s top research-intensive universities and provides exceptional undergraduate and graduate liberal arts, science and professional programs of study. UM campuses and research spaces are located on original lands of Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anisininewuk, Dakota Oyate, Dene and Inuit, and on the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. UM recognizes that the Treaties signed on these lands are a lifelong, enduring relationship, and we are dedicated to upholding their spirit and intent. Our collaboration with Indigenous communities is grounded in respect and reciprocity and this guides how we move forward as an institution. For more information, please visit umanitoba.ca.

To read the complete article, visit CBC News.

UM researchers are drilling deep into Earth’s surface to produce core samples that date back as far as the Jurassic era. These rock samples contain a well-preserved timeline that researchers can use to pinpoint the exact timing of major environmental shifts and how they affected surface sedimentary organic matter at the time. Understanding the effects of historic environmental events can help predict future impacts of climate change on Canada’s unique ecosystems.  

New state-of-the-art equipment 

UM has a powerful new tool to analyze ancient rock core samples, thanks to funding from the John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF) awarded to Dr. Ricardo Silva, assistant professor, Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth and Resources.  

Dr. Ricardo Silva

The new equipment heats small amounts of sediment and rock to identify the type of organic materials inside—the only one of its kind at a Canadian post-secondary institution. It allows researchers to quickly and cost-effectively measure the amount and type of organic matter in a wide variety of materials.  

Silva will use the new equipment to study ancient marine rocks from several geological periods, which will help him, and researchers worldwide, understand how past climate events have changed our planet. He leads a global network of researchers including the Middle Jurassic Earth System and Timescale or M-JET, which is supported by the International Continental Scientific Drilling Program.

Their goal is to uncover crucial insights into Earth’s distant past, dating back to when the continents began to take their current shape. By collecting rock samples from deep underground, they are building a timeline that shows significant climate events that happened about 150 million years ago. This exciting research helps us learn more about our planet’s past and how it has evolved over time. 

“These core samples serve as a vital record, preserving evidence of ancient environmental conditions,” says Silva. “We carefully remove small fragments of rock material and distribute them to researchers worldwide. This allows for a broad range of experiments aimed at reconstructing Earth’s prehistoric climate, ecosystems and environmental change.” 

Providing evidence-based data for future policymaking 

Silva’s research showcases UM’s commitment to tackling climate change and supporting studies on sustainability. This work is important for ongoing governmental efforts at both the provincial and federal levels, focusing on how issues like melting permafrost and other environmental changes impact Canada’s ecosystems and carbon cycling processes.

By studying how organic carbon moves between rocks and surface sediments, Silva aims to contribute to practical strategies for adapting to and reducing the effects of climate change. This kind of research is particularly relevant for the Arctic region and will shed light on how climate change affects wildlife, natural resources and both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. 

Using Silva’s new testing equipment, researchers can gather important information about soil quality that will impact agricultural producers as they develop more sustainable land management strategies. By looking at the organic matter in the soil, they can learn more about what affects the growth of crops. The insights will be helpful in creating management practices that enhance the types of crops grown and their production, especially considering the changing climate in the Canadian prairies. 

Silva’s work will provide valuable insights that promote responsible resource extraction while also aiming to lessen the impact on the environment.  

“Our research aims to improve how resources like oil, gas and critical minerals are extracted in Manitoba,” says Silva. “For 2024-25, the province’s mining and oil and gas industries are expected to generate about $3.4 billion in production value. These sectors play a key role in northern communities by creating jobs, supporting local businesses and contributing to economic develop.” 

Atlantic Sedimentary Basin research site, Portugal

With their groundbreaking research into past climate events, UM researchers are positioning themselves at the forefront of global efforts to understand and prepare for future environmental challenges and opportunities. Their work will play a vital role in shaping policies that balance resource management with sustainability, ensuring that decisions are guided by data and focused on protecting the environment.  

2024-25 John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF) funding at UM:

Hooman Derakhshani (Applied Animal Microbiology) Microbiome solutions for mitigating environmental impacts of the livestock industry, $159,999

Renée Douville, Henry Dunn (Pharmacology and Therapeutics) Subcellular Protein Assembly (SPA) platforms for investigating mechanisms of neurological disease, $344,169

Julia Gamble (Anthropology), Kirstin Brink, Michael Schindler (Earth Sciences) Multimodal imaging and digital applications to deep time biorhythms and developmental biology, $513,071

Peng Hu, (Electrical and Computer Engineering) Infrastructure to advance the study of space-air-ground integrated network systems and applications, $160,000

Savino Longo, (Physics and Astronomy) Sub, atomic particle detector innovation laboratory, $159,872

Barbara Porto (Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases) The respiratory infections modelling lab: Enhancing capacity for aerosol exposure and lung mechanics studies, $155,600

Ricardo Sliva, (Earth and Resources) Sedimentary organic matter research facility, $156, 670

Cedric Tremblay, (Immunology), Samantha Pauls (Pharmacy) ImmunoMetabolism Suite (IMS) for translational research, $345,000

Chengjin Wang, (Civil Engineering) Triple quadrupole liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry for micropollutant control investigation, $159,753

To read full article, please visit CTV News.

For the town of Churchill, in northern Manitoba, this brings a lot of opportunity but there are fears it could also have environmental consequences. “We’re not just observant based, we’re actually doing studies to address challenges, issues associated with a rapidly opening Hudson Bay,” said Dr. Feiyue Wang, Professor and Canada Research Chair (Tier 1) Department of Environment and Geography 
and Centre for Earth Observation Science and Director of the CMO. “With increasing shipping and development in the region, you have an increasing risk of oil spills.”

To read the full article, please visit CTV News.