PREVIEW

Experts warn that Antarctica’s Thwaites Glacier, which is the size of Great Britain, may largely disappear by the 23rd century, Sky News reports. Currently, the glacier contributes 8% to global sea level rise, equivalent to 4.6mm per year, due to its rapid melting. Ice loss at Thwaites Glacier is expected to accelerate, potentially leading to the collapse of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet by the next century. If Thwaites Glacier melts entirely, global sea levels would rise by 3.3 meters, putting areas like Westminster, Battersea, and Canary Wharf underwater. Thwaites has been retreating for over 80 years, with rapid acceleration in the past 30, and studies indicate it could retreat even faster in the near future. British Antarctic Survey expert Dr. Rob Larter emphasizes that additional processes not fully studied could cause an even quicker retreat than predicted. Thwaites Glacier rests on a bed far below sea level, making it particularly susceptible to warming sea temperatures. The Thwaites Eastern Ice Shelf, covering half of the glacier’s front, is expected to disintegrate within the next decade, accelerating ice loss. Researchers are utilizing underwater robots, new survey techniques, and advanced ice flow modeling to better understand the glacier’s future behavior. In response to the imminent threat, scientists have proposed a 62-mile curtain to prevent warm waters from further eroding the glacier.
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