A study published in Nature reveals that Antarctic ice shelves have been progressively unanchoring from pinning points since 1973, with significant thinning observed in key regions such as the Amundsen Sea Embayment and Wilkes Land. The research uses optical satellite imagery to track changes in the surface expression of pinning points, which are local bathymetric highs that anchor ice shelves. By analyzing changes in these pinning points over three periods (1973–1989, 1989–2000, and 2000–2022), the study infers ice-shelf thickness changes back to 1973. The results show that ice-shelf thinning was initially limited to small areas but has since spread rapidly, with 15%, 25%, and 37% of pinning points reducing in extent during the respective periods. This trend suggests a reduction in the buttressing potential of ice shelves, leading to increased ice discharge and accelerated sea-level rise. The study also highlights the importance of long-term observational records for understanding Antarctic ice sheet dynamics and projecting future mass loss. The findings indicate that ice-shelf thinning has been ongoing for at least 50 years, with significant implications for the stability of Antarctic ice shelves and the global sea level. The research underscores the need for continued monitoring and modeling to assess the impacts of ice shelf loss on global climate systems.A study published in Nature reveals that Antarctic ice shelves have been progressively unanchoring from pinning points since 1973, with significant thinning observed in key regions such as the Amundsen Sea Embayment and Wilkes Land. The research uses optical satellite imagery to track changes in the surface expression of pinning points, which are local bathymetric highs that anchor ice shelves. By analyzing changes in these pinning points over three periods (1973–1989, 1989–2000, and 2000–2022), the study infers ice-shelf thickness changes back to 1973. The results show that ice-shelf thinning was initially limited to small areas but has since spread rapidly, with 15%, 25%, and 37% of pinning points reducing in extent during the respective periods. This trend suggests a reduction in the buttressing potential of ice shelves, leading to increased ice discharge and accelerated sea-level rise. The study also highlights the importance of long-term observational records for understanding Antarctic ice sheet dynamics and projecting future mass loss. The findings indicate that ice-shelf thinning has been ongoing for at least 50 years, with significant implications for the stability of Antarctic ice shelves and the global sea level. The research underscores the need for continued monitoring and modeling to assess the impacts of ice shelf loss on global climate systems.