Scientists say predictions of 'doomsday glacier' melting are alarming

Scientists have discovered that the Thwaites Glacier in Antarctica is melting at an alarming rate – a phenomenon that is adding to predictions of rising sea levels around the world.

Studies by the International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration (ITGC), which were reported by CNN News and began in 2018, have revealed alarming information about the melting dynamics of the Thwaites Glacier, which is expected to accelerate this century, according to scientists.

Over the past 30 years, Thwaites’ retreat has accelerated significantly. Current projections suggest that the glacier, like the Antarctic ice sheet, could collapse within 200 years, causing sea levels to rise by up to 3 metres, affecting coastal communities around the world.

Thwaites alone holds enough water to raise sea levels by more than two feet. In addition, the glacier acts as a “buffer” for the vast Antarctic ice sheet, meaning its complete melting has the potential to cause a total sea level rise of up to 3 meters, devastating coastal areas from Miami to London and from Bangladesh to the Pacific Islands.

Thwaites' geography contributes to its vulnerability. Interestingly, the flatter area of ​​the glacier exposes more ice to the surface as it melts, speeding up the process.

Over the past six years, scientists have conducted a series of experiments to clarify this complex situation. One of the highlights was the Icefin robot, which was sent to the glacier’s baseline, a critical point where the ice rises and begins to float. The images sent back showed the glacier melting in unexpected ways, with hot water seeping through deep cracks.

Scientists warn that even if fossil fuel burning stops immediately, it may be too late to save the glacier, which began melting in the 1940s, possibly due to a strong El Niño.