Uncovering Surprising Antarctic Secrets through Rock Mapping.

Researchers from the International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration found that the West Antarctic Ice Sheet had been thinner in the past and had regrown, suggesting that glacial retreat could be reversed. The study used rock samples to show that ice near Thwaites Glacier was at least 35 meters thinner in the last 5000 years and took a minimum of 3000 years to reach its current size. However, this recovery timeframe poses concerns given the expected impact of sea level rise due to imminent climate change.