The Western Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) is a vast expanse of ice covering the western side of the Transantarctic Mountains in the southern hemisphere. It is a marine-based ice sheet, meaning that it rests on the seabed and is mostly surrounded by floating ice shelves. According to researchers, the WAIS is bound to collapse due to global warming, with devastating consequences for the planet.Researchers have long been concerned about the impact of global warming on the WAIS. As temperatures rise, the ice sheet becomes more vulnerable to melting and destabilization, which can lead to a rise in sea levels. The collapse of the WAIS could lead to a global sea level rise of up to 3.3 meters, with catastrophic consequences for coastal communities around the world.
The Importance of Ice Shelves
The ice shelves surrounding the WAIS play an important role in stabilizing the ice sheet by slowing down the flow of ice into the ocean. However, these ice shelves are also at risk of collapsing due to ocean warming. As the ocean warms, it can melt the ice shelves from below, causing them to become thinner and more prone to cracking and breaking apart.
The loss of these ice shelves can have a significant impact on the stability of the WAIS. As the ice shelves disappear, the flow of ice into the ocean can increase, leading to further destabilization and melting of the ice sheet.
Recent Research Findings
In a recent study published in the journal Nature, researchers used satellite data to map the flow of ice in the WAIS over the past two decades. They found that the ice sheet is losing ice at an accelerating rate, with the loss of ice increasing by 70% over the past decade.
The researchers also found that the rate of ice loss is highest in the Amundsen Sea Embayment, an area in the WAIS where several large glaciers are located. These glaciers are currently losing ice at a rate of around 60 cubic kilometers per year, which is equivalent to the volume of water in Lake Tahoe.
The Need for Action
The collapse of the WAIS would be a catastrophic event, with far-reaching consequences for the planet. However, it is not too late to take action to prevent this from happening. The most important action that can be taken is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and slow down global warming.
Governments, businesses, and individuals all have a role to play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This can be done by investing in renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and adopting more sustainable practices in all areas of life.