Copenhagen, Denmark – New research from the University of Copenhagen using aerial photos from 1937 sheds light on the stability of East Antarctica’s ice over the past 85 years. Despite concerns about climate change and melting ice, the study reveals that the glaciers in East Antarctica have remained largely stable, with some even showing slight growth over the decades. The findings offer valuable insights into how these glaciers have evolved and how they may continue to change in the future.
By analyzing hundreds of old aerial photographs from a 1937 expedition, researchers were able to track changes in the glaciers in East Antarctica. This region, which contains as much ice as the entire Greenland Ice Sheet, has been the focus of the study. The comparison of historical aerial images with modern satellite data showed that the glaciers have remained stable and even grown, attributed in part to increased snowfall.
The study’s lead author, PhD student Mads Dømgaard, highlighted the significance of the findings, noting that amidst concerns of climate change impacts on glaciers, observing stability in an area over almost a century is a refreshing discovery. However, the research also points to early signs of changes in the sea ice surrounding the glaciers, suggesting potential future shrinkage in these stable East Antarctic glaciers.
The images used in the study were captured during a 1937 expedition led by Norwegian whaler Lars Christensen, aimed at mapping this part of East Antarctica. Due to the German invasion of Norway, the maps produced from the expedition were never published. The images remained stored at the Norwegian Polar Institute until researchers from the University of Copenhagen rediscovered them, enhancing our understanding of glacier evolution in this region.
Assistant Professor Anders Bjørk from the University of Copenhagen, who led the team working with the historical images, emphasized the importance of using long-term data to produce accurate predictions about future glacier changes and sea level rise. The collaborative effort involving researchers from various institutions resulted in the publication of the findings in the journal Nature Communications, showcasing the value of historical aerial photos in advancing our knowledge of glacier dynamics.
Overall, the study provides crucial insights into the evolution of East Antarctica’s glaciers and their impact on sea level rise. The researchers hope that by combining historical observations with modern data, more accurate models can be developed to forecast future changes in these important ice masses. As concerns about climate change and its effects on ice continue to grow, studies like these shed light on the complexities of glacier dynamics and the need for ongoing research in this critical area.