Scientists from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) have recently uncovered a colossal cavity, nearly 300 meters high, developing at the base of the Thwaites Glacier located in West Antarctica. This discovery leads to growing concerns about the swift decay of the ice sheet and the resulting acceleration of global sea levels, potentially due to climate change impacts.
Discovery & Implications of the New Cavity
This gargantuan cavity was detected utilizing ice-penetrating radar as part of NASA’s Operation IceBridge. Initiated in 2010, this airborne mission aims to analyze the links between polar regions and the worldwide climate.
The presence of this cavity suggests an alarming rate of decay within the ice, which may significantly add to the rise in global sea levels. Currently, the Thwaites Glacier contributes approximately 4% to global sea level rise, a figure that could increase with the further melting of ice.
Uncovering the Cavity: NASA’s Operation IceBridge
Operation IceBridge employs advanced technology in the form of ice-penetrating radars to probe and study the polar ice. These radars have been crucial in discovering and monitoring the developing cavity within the Thwaites Glacier.
The Impending Threat: Rising Sea Levels
| Year | Global Sea Level Rise (mm) |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 3.5 |
| 2015 | 7.5 |
| 2020 | 14.5 |
The rapid melting and depleting of polar ice contribute significantly to the rise in global sea levels. If not properly addressed, it could lead to severe environmental and economic repercussions worldwide.
Suspension of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty
In other significant global developments, the United States has announced the suspension of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Force (INF) Treaty with Russia.
History of the INF Treaty
This significant treaty was inked in December 1987 by then US President Ronald Reagan and Soviet General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev. The ITER prohibited both the United States and the Soviet Union from possessing, testing, and deploying ground-launched cruise and ballistic missiles with ranges spanning from 500 to 5,500 kilometers. The agreement covered all land-based missiles, inclusive of those carrying nuclear warheads but did not include sea-launched missiles.
Purpose and Impact of the INF Treaty
The primary objective of this groundbreaking treaty was to terminate the weapons race between the two superpowers, the US and the USSR. Its suspension marks a significant shift in international relations and has potential implications on global security arrangements.
