Rare photo from space shows 'smoke' on a significant Antarctic glacier: what is this phenomenon

A NASA satellite has captured a rare photo from space that shows "smoke" on a significant glacier in western Antarctica. According to scientists, this phenomenon is often called "sea smoke."

Scientists explain that the satellite image does not actually show smoke. These are white streaks of fog floating over the dark surface of the ocean water where the Pine Island Glacier meets the sea, CNN reports.

Water and wind are key elements in creating sea smoke. According to NASA, strong winds pushed the ice and colder water away, allowing warm water to reach the surface. The warmer water injected warm and moist air into the dry, cold air. The clash of temperatures caused the moisture in the air to condense into fog, the scientists explain.

Sea smoke is not a rare phenomenon, experts say. It can often be seen on large lakes as the first Arctic breath of winter passes over bodies of water that are still relatively warm.

However, according to NASA, it was unusual to see it on a satellite over the Pine Island Glacier, as the area is usually shrouded in clouds.

Scientists emphasize that the Pine Island Glacier is a vital part of Antarctica that is closely monitored because it is threatened by warming. The glacier acts as a water pipe for the massive ice sheet that faces it, sending a stream of ice into the nearby ocean.

This flow has been increasing since the 1990s as the glacier is thrown out of balance by warm air, water, and lack of snow, researchers say. Unfortunately, this ice block can no longer regain its ice.

Scientists are concerned because Pine Island, along with the neighboring so-called "Doomsday Glacier" Thwaites, has been losing ice at an accelerated rate over the past few decades and could raise sea levels by several meters on its own.

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