Antarctica is melting faster than scientists thought
A new study shows that global sea levels may be rising faster than previously predicted, as Antarctica's ice shelves are likely melting from below at a much higher rate than previously thought, writes ScienceDaily.
Ice shelves are massive floating extensions of glaciers that restrain the movement of vast volumes of ice into the ocean. Scientists from Norway have discovered a process that can accelerate their destruction. Long channels cut into the underside of these glaciers can trap relatively warm ocean water, intensifying melting in specific areas.
These findings raise concerns far beyond Antarctica. Becoming thinner and weaker, ice shelves lose their ability to restrain the continental glaciers behind them. This allows more land-based ice to slide into the ocean, potentially accelerating global sea-level rise.
Researchers note that similar instability has already been observed in other parts of Antarctica. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change previously identified the weakening of polar ice shelves as one of the main uncertainties in sea-level predictions and a potentially serious climate risk.
The study focused on the Fimbulisen ice shelf in East Antarctica. Scientists found that the topography of the glacier's bottom surface strongly influences how seawater circulates beneath it.
Where deep channels exist beneath the ice, ocean currents can form small circulation loops. These trap warm water near the ice, preventing it from escaping quickly. Such a concentration of heat dramatically increases the melting rate in these locations.
The Fimbulisen glacier is located in East Antarctica — a colder region generally considered less vulnerable than other parts of the continent.
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