(CNS): A possible collapse of Thwaites Glacier, also known as the ‘Terminal Glacier’, could raise sea levels by up to 10 feet, scientists warn. A glacier the size of Florida could wreak havoc if it fell into the ocean, and researchers now say it hangs on a fingernail. , the rapid pace of melting around this glacier has worried scientists. This is due to the global impact of so much water flowing into the ocean.
new research in natural earth scienceled by a marine geophysicist Alastair Graham A professor at the University of South Florida’s College of Marine Science (USF CMS) said the potential impact of Thwaites’ withdrawal was “spine-chilling.”
Sea level rise at the upper end of this glacier-related projection would have global implications, but even at the lowest estimates, a rise of about 3 feet would have devastating consequences for Cayman. Cayman is only about 7 feet above sea level, with a significant number of homes located less than 4 feet above sea level.
For the first time, scientists have mapped in high resolution a significant area of the ocean floor in front of the glacier, according to a press release about the study. This gives us an idea of how quickly Thwaites has retreated and moved in the past. The images show geological features that are new to science, and also provide a sort of crystal ball for looking at the future of Thwaites and melting caused by climate change.
Giant frozen masses are retreating twice as fast as they were 30 years ago, losing about 50 billion tons of ice each year. It is held in place by jagged points on the ocean floor, slowing the glacier’s sliding into the water.
Robert Larter of the British Antarctic Survey, co-author of the study, said: Then as the glacier retreats over the shallow ridges of its bed. ”
