Doomsday Glacier Set to Melt Faster

What is the "Doomsday Glacier"?

The "Doomsday Glacier," formally known as the Thwaites Glacier, is a vast glacier located in West Antarctica. It has earned its ominous nickname due to its size and potential to contribute significantly to global sea-level rise if it collapses. Thwaites Glacier is approximately the size of Florida and is responsible for about 4% of global sea-level rise.

Why is it Melting Faster?

Thwaites Glacier is rapidly melting due to several factors. Firstly, the glacier's surface is exposed to warmer ocean temperatures, which melt the ice from below. Secondly, the glacier is losing mass from the underside due to a process called basal melting. This occurs when warm ocean water seeps up through cracks in the ice and melts the glacier from the bottom up. Additionally, the glacier is being pushed by ice from behind, which causes it to thin and become more vulnerable to melting.

Consequences of Melting

The melting of Thwaites Glacier has far-reaching consequences. If the glacier collapses, it could add up to 10 feet to global sea levels. This would have devastating effects on coastal communities around the world, including flooding, erosion, and population displacement. Additionally, the loss of Thwaites Glacier would disrupt ocean currents and potentially alter global weather patterns.

Efforts to Slow the Melting

Scientists are working to understand and slow the melting of Thwaites Glacier. One approach is to build artificial barriers or walls around the glacier to protect it from warm ocean water. Another strategy is to pump cold water into the cracks in the glacier to reduce basal melting. However, these efforts are still in their early stages, and it remains unclear whether they will be effective in preventing the glacier's collapse.

Conclusion

The melting of Thwaites Glacier is a serious threat to global sea-level rise and coastal communities. While efforts are underway to slow the melting, it remains uncertain whether these measures will be successful. The collapse of the glacier would have devastating consequences, highlighting the urgent need to address climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.