Scientists have issued a dire warning about the Thwaites Glacier in Antarctica, often referred to as the 'Doomsday Glacier' due to its potential to trigger catastrophic sea level rise. New research suggests the glacier, which is roughly the size of the UK, is becoming increasingly unstable and could collapse sooner than previously thought.
Why Is Thwaites Glacier So Dangerous?
The Thwaites Glacier acts as a natural barrier, holding back vast amounts of ice. If it collapses, it could destabilise the entire West Antarctic Ice Sheet, leading to a global sea level rise of up to 3 metres. This would have devastating consequences for coastal cities worldwide.
Key Findings:
- The glacier is melting at an alarming rate due to warming ocean currents.
- Large cracks and fractures have been detected, indicating structural weakness.
- Previous estimates may have underestimated the speed of its disintegration.
Researchers are now calling for urgent action to monitor and mitigate the risks posed by Thwaites Glacier. The findings highlight the accelerating impact of climate change on polar ice sheets.
