As the Antarctic Ice Sheet sheds ice at an alarming rate, a hidden world of streams and lakes beneath its surface may hold the key to accelerated sea level rise. New research suggests that subglacial water could significantly impact global sea levels if left unaccounted for.
Beneath the vast expanse of the Antarctic Ice Sheet lies a mysterious realm of streams and lakes that remains poorly understood.
A new study suggests that if scientists fail to account for this subglacial water, they may significantly underestimate global sea level rise.
Sea level rise refers to the long-term increase in global sea levels.
The main cause is the melting of glaciers and ice sheets, as well as the expansion of seawater due to warming temperatures.
According to NASA, the global sea level has risen by about 8 inches since 1880.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) projects a further rise of up to 10 inches by 2050.
Sea level rise poses significant threats to coastal communities and ecosystems.
The Antarctic Ice Sheet holds approximately 90 percent of all ice on Earth, with human-caused climate change causing it to shed an average of 150 billion metric tons of ice each year.
This results in a steady increase in sea levels around the world.
However, researchers have discovered that subglacial water can boost glacier flow and contribute to sea level rise.
Subglacial water is a type of water that exists beneath glaciers and ice sheets.
This water can be trapped between the glacier's base and the underlying bedrock, forming a subglacial lake or river.
Subglacial water plays a crucial role in glaciology, as it affects the glacier's movement and melting rate.
Studies have shown that subglacial lakes can store massive amounts of freshwater, with some lakes holding up to 75% of the world's freshwater reserves.
The Antarctic Ice Sheet is not static; it deforms under its own weight and moves along its base like a sled on snow.
This process, known as basal sliding, accounts for the majority of movement in the fastest Antarctic glaciers flowing into the ocean.
Understanding basal sliding is crucial for estimating future sea level rise.
Glaciologists have long recognized that subglacial water can enhance basal sliding speed by exerting pressure that counteracts the weight of the overlying glacier.
This ‘lubricating‘ effect allows the ice to flow more easily toward the sea.
Researchers have simulated the Antarctic Ice Sheet‘s evolution, taking into account various scenarios for subglacial water distribution.
By factoring in different levels of water pressure and topography, they aim to create a more accurate picture of how subglacial water affects glacier flow and sea level rise.
One simulation with increased water pressure near the grounding line resulted in an additional 2.2 meters of sea level rise by 2300, representing only 4 percent of the total ice on Earth that could be lost if it all melted.
This highlights the significant role subglacial water plays in shaping our understanding of global sea level rise.
Determining exactly how much subglacial water will contribute to future sea level rise requires further research into what lies beneath the Antarctic Ice Sheet.
Without this knowledge, scientists must rely on assumptions that can have a significant impact on predictions.
As climate change continues to shape our planet, it is essential to support climate journalism and strengthen environmental literacy.
By subscribing to Science News and expanding science literacy and understanding, we can ensure a more informed response to climate change.
Climate change refers to significant long-term changes in the Earth's climate.
It is primarily caused by human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, which release greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere.
These gases trap heat from the sun, leading to rising global temperatures.
The effects of climate change are widespread, including sea-level rise, more frequent natural disasters, and altered ecosystems.
- sciencenews.org | Hidden Antarctic lakes could supercharge sea level rise
