News: 0175093601

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Antarctic 'Doomsday Glacier' Melting Faster, Scientists Warn

(Saturday September 21, 2024 @03:31AM (msmash) from the concerning-signs dept.)


A massive Antarctic glacier, dubbed the "Doomsday Glacier," is [1]melting at an accelerating rate and could be approaching irreversible collapse, international researchers are reporting. The Thwaites Glacier, holding enough ice to raise global sea levels by over two feet, has seen rapid retreat in the past 30 years.

Scientists from the International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration used ice-breaking ships and underwater robots to study the glacier up close since 2018. Their findings reveal warm ocean water funneling through deep cracks in the ice, causing unexpected melting patterns. While computer modeling suggests catastrophic cliff collapse is less likely than feared, researchers project Thwaites and the Antarctic Ice Sheet could disintegrate within 200 years. This collapse could ultimately lead to 10 feet of sea level rise, devastating coastal communities worldwide.



[1] https://edition.cnn.com/2024/09/20/climate/doomsday-glacier-thwaites-melt-sea-level-rise/index.html


In retreat sounds good (Score:2)

by Rosco P. Coltrane ( 209368 )

> The Thwaites Glacier, holding enough ice to raise global sea levels by over two feet, has seen rapid retreat in the past 30 years.

Good! That thing looked way too threatening.

Maybe don't break the ice... (Score:2)

by srussia ( 884021 )

FTFS:

> Scientists from the International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration used ice-breaking ships (...) Their findings reveal warm ocean water funneling through deep cracks in the ice, causing unexpected melting patterns.

Re: (Score:2)

by divide overflow ( 599608 )

You were probably joking, but to state the obvious, you don't--can't--break through a glacier with an ice-breaking ship.

You use an ice-breaking ship to navigate through waterways prone to icing over.

Move to higher ground (Score:2)

by djb ( 19374 )

When I moved home a couple of years ago, I made sure my new place is at the top a hill. Whilst sea level rise is still a long way off, higher global temperatures means more water in the atmosphere and more flooding events around the world.

Your local area should publish a floodplain map, I’d suggest being at least a couple of metres above the 100 year level if you can.

GOP investment opportunities! (Score:2)

by VeryFluffyBunny ( 5037285 )

There's some fantastic bargains to be had in prime coastal areas of the USA. GOP climate deniers should invest in these amazing opportunities!

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