According to a study, a giant glacier in Antarctica is in danger of melting faster than previously thought – which could lead to a dramatic rise in sea levels. Located in the western part of Antarctica, Thwaites Glacier covers an area of 192,000 square kilometers and is more than twice the size of Austria. Due to its worldwide importance, it is also referred to as the “doomsday glacier”. Because if it melts, entire coastal areas could be flooded.
An international research team has now mapped the ice giant’s retreat through the ages — all key metrics captured in an accurate map. The goal is to learn from this for the future. The results are cause for concern.
The team used an autonomous underwater vehicle equipped with sensors. The researchers found that sometime in the past two centuries, the front part of the glacier broke off the seafloor in less than six months and then retreated at a rate of 2.1 kilometers per year — about twice as fast as in years past. .
“Impulses with very rapid withdrawal”
“Our results suggest that very rapidly retreating pulses have occurred on the Thwaites Glacier over the past two centuries and possibly into the mid-20th century,” said University of South Florida marine geophysicist Alastair Graham. published in the journal Nature Geoscience. The researchers expect similar rapid withdrawal impulses in the coming years.
Due to the warm ocean currents, the giant, which is constantly being observed by scientists, is melting along its underwater edge. The potential impact of Thwaites’ retreat is staggering, a statement accompanying the study said: Complete loss of the glacier and surrounding ice could result in a sea level rise of 90 centimeters to three meters. As a result, coastal cities around the world could be partially submerged.
Big changes expected in a short time
Co-author Robert Larter of the British Antarctic Survey warned, “Thwaites are just holding his fingernails today.” Major changes on small time scales can be expected in the future once the glacier has passed a certain point.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
