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Pressure ridges at Scott Base

Large, cracked ice pushing up to make small hill of ice in Antarctic.

Pressure ridges form when sea ice pushes up against the land. They are dynamic spaces that continue to form mounds of ice that then crack and break apart. Weddell seals use pressure ridges to access the ocean when they’re on land caring for young pups.

Photo by Claire Concannon.

Glossary

Rights: RNZ
Published: 14 August 2025Size: 4 MB
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