All articles tagged with #antarctic glaciers
Scientists discovered 85 new lakes beneath Antarctic glaciers, increasing known subglacial lakes by over 50%, which could accelerate ice melting and sea level rise due to climate change. The findings highlight the importance of understanding subglacial hydrology to improve sea level rise predictions and emphasize the need to reduce pollution to mitigate global warming effects.
Scientists are proposing the construction of a 100km-long underwater curtain in front of Antarctic glaciers to protect them from warm sea water erosion, as the melting of these glaciers could lead to catastrophic flooding and displacement of millions of people. The curtain, if implemented, would be one of the largest geo-engineering projects ever undertaken and aims to slow down the undermining of glaciers by restricting the inflow of warm water. The project is in its early stages, with research underway to determine the best materials and methods for construction, and initial tests scheduled to be carried out later this year.
A new study from The Scripps Institution of Oceanography reveals that the impact of "meltwater" flowing out from underneath Antarctic glaciers is causing them to lose ice at a faster rate than previously estimated. This phenomenon, known as "subglacial discharge," is not currently taken into account when predicting sea-level rise. The study suggests that glacier melting could increase sea-level rise by 15% by 2300. The researchers emphasize the importance of accurate sea-level rise projections for the welfare of coastal communities and highlight the need to consider subglacial discharge in modeling future climate scenarios. Ultimately, the study underscores the urgent need to address greenhouse gas emissions as the primary driver of climate change.
A new study from The Scripps Institution of Oceanography reveals that water flowing out from underneath Antarctic glaciers, known as "meltwater," is causing them to lose ice at a faster rate than previously estimated. This impact is not currently taken into account in sea-level rise projections. The study focused on two glaciers in East Antarctica and found that including the influence of "subglacial discharge" significantly increased sea-level rise projections by 15.7% by 2300. The researchers emphasize the importance of accurately modeling these systems and highlight the need to address greenhouse gas emissions as the primary driver of climate change.
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.