A colossal glacier in Antarctica, dubbed the “Doomsday Glacier,” is melting from within, which could result in devastating rising sea levels that have the potential to destroy coastal towns around the world.
The “Doomsday Glacier” Unveiled
Recent research revealed that Antarctica’s notorious “Doomsday Glacier,” Thwaites Glacier, is melting in unprecedented ways, bringing grim implications of catastrophic sea level rise.
The Magnitude of Thwaites Glacier
Thwaites Glacier, an icy behemoth comparable in size to Florida, resides in West Antarctica and plays a crucial role in restraining sea level rise by acting as a natural barricade.
The Ice Shelf’s Vulnerability
While the glacier’s massive ice shelf extends into the ocean, it remains susceptible to the perils of global warming, making it a critical focal point in the battle against rising sea levels.
An Alarming Discovery
Two recent studies, published in the journal Nature disclose surprising revelations about the Thwaites Glacier, intensifying concerns about its future.
The Hidden Threat
One of the alarming discoveries suggested that deep cracks and intriguing “staircase” formations beneath the ice shelf are melting at an accelerated pace due to the warming ocean.
The Unrelenting Impact of Climate Change
The Thwaites Glacier is evolving at an alarming rate, shedding billions of tons of ice into the ocean annually, making a significant contribution to global sea level rise.
Vulnerable Ice-Meets-Seafloor
A remarkably rapid ice melt occurs at the point where the glacier meets the seafloor, which has significantly retreated since the late 1990s, leading to more exposure to warm ocean water.
A Looming Sea Level Catastrophe
Should Thwaites collapse entirely, it could precipitate over two feet of sea level rise. The worst-case scenario suggests up to ten feet of global sea level rise if Thwaites disintegrates entirely.
An Expedition to Understand the Unfolding Crisis
In 2019, a team of US and British scientists embarked on a mission to the Thwaites Glacier, employing cutting-edge technology and instruments to investigate the remote coastline.
Icefin – The Robot Explorer
A torpedo-like robot, named Icefin, ventured to explore areas previously inaccessible. It captured essential data on water temperature, salinity, and ocean currents, providing unprecedented insights.
A Surprise in the Slowdown
Despite the glacier’s ongoing retreat, the research showed a slower melt rate beneath much of the ice shelf than initially projected.
This was attributed to a layer of cold, fresh water between the ice shelf and the ocean.
Still Reason to Worry
Oceanographer Peter Davis said, “The glacier is still in trouble,” before admitting, “What we have found is that despite small amounts of melting there is still rapid glacier retreat, so it seems that it doesn’t take a lot to push the glacier out of balance.”
Rapid Melt in Staircase-like Terraces
The researchers were astonished to discover a complex underwater glacial landscape characterized by staircase-like terraces and deep crevasses.
Melting in these regions was notably swift, driven by warm, salty water.
Melting From Within Is A Perilous Threat
Melting along the sloping ice of the cracks and terraces could emerge as the leading cause of ice shelf collapse, adding to the glacier’s urgency.
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The post “Doomsday Glacier” – The Meltdown That Threatens Coastal Towns Around The World first appeared on Career Step Up
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