NASA estimates the separation took place sometime between July 13 and August 6.
The space agency states in the early 20th century, the Alsek Glacier ended at Gateway Knob, around three miles west of Prow Knob.
While the ice started to retreat eastward by the middle of the century, it still encompassed Prow Knob, prompting late glaciologist Austin Post to name the feature due to its similarity to a ship’s prow.
Yet by 1984, its perimeter had converted to lakeshore, and by 1999 both glaciers started to retreat.
Since then, Alsek Lake has nearly doubled in size, expanding from 45 square kilometers to 75 square kilometers.
NASA warns further melting is to be anticipated in the coming years, especially now that the ice has officially detached from the mountain.
It says since the glacier has ‘lost contact’ with Prow Knob, the ‘ice is less stable and more prone to calving’.
Source: unilad.com
