Title: Subglacial Discharge Unveiled as Major Contributor to Antarctic Ice Loss and Sea-Level Rise
Researchers at the UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography have discovered that the flow of meltwater beneath Antarctic glaciers is speeding up the rate at which they lose ice. This new finding sheds light on the significant role of subglacial discharge in global sea-level rise, particularly in scenarios of high greenhouse gas emissions.
Traditionally, sea-level rise projections provided by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) have not taken into account the additional ice loss caused by subglacial discharge. However, this recent study focused specifically on two glaciers in East Antarctica called Denman and Scott, which hold enough ice to contribute nearly 1.5 meters (5 feet) to the rise in sea levels.
Under a high emissions scenario, the model developed by the researchers revealed that subglacial discharge increased the sea-level rise contribution of these glaciers by 15.7%, from 19 millimeters (0.74 inches) to 22 millimeters (0.86 inches) by 2300.
The study emphasizes the necessity of accurately predicting sea-level rise for coastal communities around the world and emphasizes the importance of including subglacial discharge in future projections.
Funding for the research was provided by various organizations including the National Science Foundation (NSF), NASA, and the Cecil H. and the Ida M. Green Foundation for Earth Sciences at Scripps.
Subglacial discharge occurs when meltwater from beneath glaciers flows out to sea, causing the ice shelf to melt faster and contributing to glacial retreat. The study reveals that this phenomenon is a significant driver of ice loss and sea-level rise in Antarctica, yet it has been overlooked in previous models.
These compelling findings emphasize the need for further research to better comprehend the full extent of subglacial discharge’s impact on sea-level rise. Future studies should focus on modeling other Antarctic glaciers to gain a more comprehensive understanding of this phenomenon.
Accurately predicting the contribution of subglacial discharge to sea-level rise is crucial in determining effective strategies for coastal communities to adapt to the inevitable consequences of climate change. By considering this new aspect in future climate models, scientists can provide more accurate predictions and aids for coastal planning and infrastructure development.
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