Unseen Feedback Loop Speeds Antarctic Glacier Meltdown, Threatening Sea-Level Rise

A study from UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography reveals that meltwater flowing beneath Antarctic glaciers, known as subglacial discharge, is accelerating their ice loss and contributing to sea-level rise. The study's simulations show that subglacial discharge increased the sea-level rise contribution of two glaciers in East Antarctica by 15.7% by 2300 under a high emissions scenario. This effect is not currently accounted for in major sea-level rise projections, potentially underestimating the pace of global sea-level rise. The study highlights the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate the impact on coastal communities. Further research is needed to understand the magnitude of subglacial discharge on other Antarctic glaciers.