thwaites glacier
Newsletter
Credit: lucas huffman/Unsplash
Scientists see some risks of catastrophic climate events as lower but still concerning
Recent studies suggest that some worst-case climate scenarios, like the collapse of the Thwaites Glacier in Antarctica, are less likely than previously thought, though other threats like the collapse of the AMOC remain serious concerns.
In short:
- The Thwaites Glacier, also known as the "Doomsday Glacier," is still melting, but its rapid collapse is less likely within this century.
- Greenland's ice sheet is melting faster than expected, but it may be more resilient if global temperatures are controlled.
- Scientists continue to study the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), which could collapse by 2050, leading to significant climate disruptions.
Key quote:
"Unfortunately, Thwaites Glacier is still going to retreat and with it most of the West Antarctic ice sheet, but not as rapidly as one scenario suggested."
— Mathieu Morlighem, professor of earth sciences, Dartmouth University
Why this matters:
Rising sea levels, driven by ice sheet melt and ocean circulation changes, threaten coastal cities and could lead to widespread displacement and severe weather changes. These scenarios remain potential global challenges despite some recent optimism.
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Credit: Felton Davis/Flickr
New evidence shows rapid melting of Antarctica's Thwaites Glacier
Scientists have found that the glacier is melting at an alarming rate due to warm seawater intrusions.
In short:
- The Thwaites Glacier, also known as the "Doomsday Glacier," is experiencing significant melting, fueled by warm seawater.
- Thwaites' melting could lead to a 2-foot sea-level rise, potentially triggering further ice loss and a total rise of up to 10 feet.
- The study indicates the glacier is more susceptible to warming oceans than previously thought, necessitating updated sea-level rise projections.
Key quote:
"Thwaites is the most unstable place in the Antarctic and contains the equivalent of 60 centimeters (two feet) of sea-level rise."
— Christine Dow, University of Waterloo
Why this matters:
The accelerated melting of Thwaites Glacier poses a dire threat to coastal communities worldwide, highlighting the urgent need for climate action to mitigate further warming and sea-level rise. Read more: Scientists probe ancient history of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet and find unsettling news about sea level rise.
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Ariel Waldman/flickr
A robot finds more trouble under the doomsday glacier
Underneath thousands of feet of Thwaites Glacier’s solid ice, a bot filmed peculiar features, where melting is much faster. It’s an ominous sign for rising sea levels.
Felton Davis/Flickr
Journey to the Doomsday Glacier
Thwaites could reshape the world’s coastlines. But how do you study one of the world’s most inaccessible places?
www.cnet.com
Please stop calling it the 'Doomsday Glacier'
Losing Thwaites Glacier would be troubling, but the overly alarming nickname might do more harm than good.
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Photo by henrique setim on Unsplash
35 million year old data could unlock future of Antarctica
Scientists have unravelled the secrets of a period 35 million years ago when Earth cooled rapidly, leaving Antarctica shrouded in ice. The findings could help to predict the unstable future of the West Antarctic ice sheet, researchers from the Alfred Wegener Institute say.
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Photo by Willian Justen de Vasconcellos on Unsplash
Canadian scientist examines melting Antarctic glacier, potential sea level rise
The Arctic sea ice has suffered devastating loss and has shrunk to its second lowest on record. Melting sea ice is just one of many signs of a warming climate in the North. Emanuela Campanella explains how climate change is rapidly transforming the Arctic Circle.
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