Scientists studying the Thwaites Glacier in West Antarctica, known as the 'Doomsday Glacier,' have reported alarming findings that could lead to significant sea-level rise in the coming centuries. The International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration (ITGC), a joint research initiative between the U.K. and the U.S., has been monitoring the glacier since 2018, revealing concerning trends in ice loss and an increased risk of collapse.
Rob Larter, science coordinator of the ITGC, stated that Thwaites has been retreating for over 80 years, with acceleration noted in the past 30 years. If the glacier collapses, it could expose millions in vulnerable coastal areas, including Bangladesh and Pacific Islands, to rising sea levels, with major cities like New York and London also at risk.
Kiya Riverman, a glaciologist involved in the ITGC, emphasized that while some findings suggest Thwaites may remain stable for the next few decades, a tipping point has already been crossed, making long-term melting inevitable. The ITGC warns that by the 23rd century, Thwaites and much of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet could be lost, raising global sea levels by over 10 feet.
Currently, sea levels are rising by 0.13 inches per year, with Thwaites contributing to 8 percent of this rise. Advanced technologies, including underwater robots and new modeling approaches, are being used to study the glacier's behavior and predict its future. Ted Scambos, U.S. science coordinator of the ITGC, cautioned that while immediate climate action could mitigate some damage, the effects of such measures will take time to manifest.
As the situation evolves, experts stress the importance of understanding and addressing these changes to prepare future generations for the impact of rising sea levels.