Kaci Foultner
March 16, 2023
New research on the Thwaites Glacier, also known as the Doomsday Glacier, in Antarctica, shows it is rapidly melting due to warming ocean temperatures. Underwater robots have revealed the unique mechanisms behind its retreat, underscoring the need to address climate change and its impact on global sea levels.
The Thwaites Glacier in Antarctica is rapidly melting due to warming ocean temperatures, and its potential impact on global sea levels is a cause for concern.
Recent articles highlight new research on the Thwaites Glacier in Antarctica, also known as the Doomsday Glacier, which is one of the largest and most rapidly melting glaciers in the world. Scitech Daily reports that scientists are using underwater robots to explore the glacier’s melting process and have discovered novel mechanisms behind its rapid retreat.
Warm ocean water is flowing underneath the glacier and melting it from below, causing it to retreat and potentially leading to catastrophic sea-level rise. The research underscores the need to address climate change and its impact on the world’s oceans and coastlines.
Indy100 reports on the potential consequences of the glacier’s melting, noting that it has the potential to raise global sea levels by up to 2.4 meters (8 feet), which would have devastating consequences for coastal cities and communities around the world.
The icefin robot under the ice near McMurdo research station, operated by the US Antarctic Program. Credit: Rob Robbins USAP
Thwaites Glacier in Antarctica is extremely remote and challenging to get to. Credit: Britney Schmidt
Borehole drilling site on Thwaites Glacier 2022. Credit: Peter Davis – British Antarctic Survey
BAS team deploying the hot water drill at Thwaites Glacier including Paul Anker, Keith Nicholls, James Smith and Peter Davis. Credit: Icefin/ITGC/Schmidt
The MELT team melted large amounts of snow to create the hot water to drill through Thwaites Glacier to reach the ‘grounding line’. Credit: Peter Davis
Picture of Icefin operating under the sea ice near McMurdo Station. Credit: Icefin/NASA/PSTAR RISE UP/Schmidt/Lawrence
https://www.indy100.com/science-tech/doomsday-glacier-thwaites-climate-change-2659452693
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