Lecture Notes: The Melting of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet

Overview

• Two recent studies highlight an irreversible thaw in Antarctica.
• Glaciers in western Antarctica, previously thought stable, are now retreating.

Key Findings

• The focus is on six large glaciers in the Amundsen Sea.
• These glaciers are melting due to global warming.
  • Glaciers sit below sea level on the continental shelf.
  • Warm ocean waters thin the ice from underneath.
  • As the ice melts, it retreats into the sea.

Consequences

• The six glaciers hold enough ice to raise sea levels globally by 1.2 meters.
• Their complete melting could destabilize the West Antarctic ice sheet.
  • Potential sea level rise: 10 to 15 feet.
  • Impact on millions to billions of people living in coastal areas worldwide.

Areas at Risk

• Small islands in the Pacific and low-lying coastal nations
  • These areas experience gradual land disappearance.
  • There is a fear of being completely submerged.

Scientific Consensus

• Most scientists agree a rise in ocean levels is inevitable with current trajectories.
• Emphasis on slowing the process:
  • Urging actions by individuals and governments to mitigate the impact.

Sources

• Reported by Gerald Tan, Al Jazeera.