Thomas Vijayan. Austfonna Ice Cap.

The Bråsvellbreen glacier, a stunning component of the Austfonna Ice Cap, presents a breathtaking view, especially in the height of summer when meltwater cascades dramatically over its edge. Positioned within the Svalbard archipelago, this icy expanse ranks as Europe's third-largest ice cap, spanning an awe-inspiring 8,000 square kilometers on Nordaustlandet Island. However, this magnificent landscape is not merely a sight of natural beauty—it's a poignant symbol of our changing world. During my latest expedition to Austfonna, I was drawn to an extraordinary scene, capturing it with a sense of urgency. The sea ice, which usually acts as a protective barrier, had retreated unusually early, allowing access by ship and exposing the glacier to an accelerated melt. As I framed the shot, the waterfall created by the melting ice was both mesmerizing and unsettling—a powerful image of a landscape in flux. This photograph, composed of 26 meticulously stitched frames, captures the ephemeral beau