Sadly, the enormous Thwaites Glacier in West Antarctica is turning into a "Doomsday Glacier." It may be retreating considerably more quickly than previously assumed, which would significantly affect water levels worldwide, according to the data gathered from the seafloor.
Suppose the entire Florida-sized ice sheet and some neighboring ice would break off and fall into the ocean, sea levels may rise by three to 10 feet. That factor would pose a severe threat to many coastal towns worldwide.
Doomsday Glacier to Cause Extreme Sea Water Levels
People are being reminded by scientists everywhere that sea levels are rising steadily. This occurrence might pose a severe threat to humanity when it occurs.
Thwaites has withdrawn unexpectedly swiftly in the past, according to a new study published in Nature Geoscience, suggesting it may do so again soon.
The Thwaites glacier, commonly known as the "doomsday glacier," is reportedly barely holding onto its place, according to IFL Science.
The ridges they mapped serve as "like a footprint," indicating the location of the glacier's former base.
Reports, citing the reports, mentioned that the glaciers had contracted twice as quickly at some time in the previous 200 years as had been noticed in recent years.
Previously, experts used satellite images to map the pace of melting at Thwaites.
According to Business Insider, a review of those photographs revealed in 2020 that Thwaites and its neighbor, the Pine Island Glacier, were disintegrating more rapidly than previously thought.
Thwaites has been partially shielded by an ice shelf, but scientists have observed the shelf's steady decline. Scientists anticipated the shelf would melt within five years in December last year.
The calving front of Thwaites Ice Shelf looking at the ice below the water's surface as seen from the NASA DC-8 on Oct. 16, 2012. Note how the water acts as a blue filter.
Thwaites Glacier's Old Concern
The ice sheets found in Doomsday Glacier in West Antarctica are almost as big as Florida, Forbes said.
Experts monitor even the most minor changes occurring in the glacier as global climate change worsens.
The living along the shore will be severely disrupted if the fast ice melting continues. According to CNN, the Thwaites glacier is no longer present because scientists have been researching it since 1973.
In 2021, a specific study emphasized the ice shelf's activities. The ice is kept from melting into the enormous bodies of water, yet it could shatter within the next five years despite its success.
Extreme weather conditions might expedite the glacier's retreat and endanger all forms of life on Earth.
Graham said the glacier may react strongly to even the slightest "kick."
The new results, according to Graham, defy past theories that the Antarctic ice sheets react slowly to climatic changes.
RELATED ARTICLE: Geothermal Activity Under Antarctic Ice Sheet Bring Thwaites Glacier on Brink of Collapse Due to Excessive Melting
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