Anchorage, Alaska – Scientists studying Antarctica’s Thwaites Glacier, known as the “Doomsday Glacier,” have made a significant discovery that could have catastrophic implications for global sea levels. Recent studies have revealed that the glacier is melting at an alarming rate, potentially leading to its inevitable collapse.
Researchers involved in the International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration (ITGC) have spent the past six years conducting a series of studies to better understand the dynamics of this massive glacier. Their findings suggest that Thwaites is on a path to accelerate its ice loss in the coming decades, a trend that could have devastating consequences.
The team of scientists discovered that Thwaites Glacier, which alone holds enough ice to raise sea levels by over 2 feet, is facing an increased risk of collapse within the next 200 years. The collapse of this glacier, along with the Antarctic Ice Sheet it supports, could ultimately result in a sea level rise of up to 10 feet, posing a threat to coastal cities worldwide.
One of the key factors contributing to Thwaites’ vulnerability is its unique geography, with land sloping downward beneath the glacier, exposing more ice to warmer ocean waters. Recent advancements in research methods, including the use of torpedo-shaped robots like Icefin, have provided scientists with new insights into the mechanisms driving the glacier’s retreat.
Studies using satellite and GPS data have shown that tides are pushing warm seawater more than six miles beneath Thwaites, accelerating the melting process. Additionally, research on the glacier’s past has revealed that it began retreating rapidly in the 1940s, possibly triggered by natural events like strong El Nino occurrences.
While there is some positive news regarding the potential collapse of Thwaites’ ice shelves, the overall outlook remains bleak. Despite efforts to curb fossil fuel use, it may already be too late to prevent the glacier’s collapse. As this phase of the ITGC project concludes, scientists emphasize the need for continued research to better understand the complexities of Thwaites Glacier and explore potential solutions to mitigate its retreat.