What does FRIS mean in UNCLASSIFIED

The Filchner Ronne Ice Shelf (FRIS) is a large ice shelf located in Antarctica. It is the largest ice shelf in the world, covering an area of approximately 450,000 square kilometers. FRIS is located on the Weddell Sea coast of Antarctica and is bounded by the Ronne Ice Shelf to the north and the Filchner Ice Shelf to the south.

The thickness of FRIS varies from 200 to 600 meters. The ice shelf is thickest near the grounding line, where it is attached to the Antarctic continent, and thins towards the edges.

FRIS is made of freshwater ice. The ice is formed from snow that has accumulated over thousands of years. The snow is compressed by its own weight and eventually turns into ice.

FRIS is thought to be several thousand years old. It has been growing and shrinking over time, but it has generally remained in its current size and shape for the past few centuries.

FRIS is important for several reasons. First, it is a major source of freshwater for the Weddell Sea. When FRIS calves, or breaks off, it releases large icebergs into the sea. These icebergs melt and provide freshwater to the surrounding ocean. Second, FRIS is a habitat for a variety of wildlife, including penguins, seals, and whales. Third, FRIS plays an important role in the global climate system. It helps to regulate the flow of heat and moisture between the Antarctic continent and the ocean.