Discovery in Antarctica: scientists stunned by major discovery – ramifications around the world | Science | New



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Scientists have discovered that Antarctic glaciers were heading towards the "100%" sea faster than expected, which would have major consequences on the sea level. The researchers found that surface melt water Infiltrated into the ice and under the glaciers of Antarctica, which accelerated the descent of glaciers towards the sea. Using satellite images and data in parallel with regional climate modeling, scientists from the 39, University of Sheffield have discovered that some glaciers were moving 100% faster – up to 400 meters per year.

However, with global warming expected to continue to raise temperatures in the future, this should further accelerate the descent of glaciers into the waters, which will worsen the problem of sea level rise, according to a report. study published in the journal Nature Communications.

Dr. Jeremy Ely, an independent researcher at the Geography Department of the University of Sheffield and author of the study, said: "Our research shows for the first time that surface meltwaters are not readily available. escape under the glaciers of the Antarctic Peninsula – causing short bursts of landslide to the sea 100 percent faster than normal.

"As atmospheric temperatures continue to increase, we expect to see more surface meltwater than ever before, so that such behavior could become more common in Antarctica.

"It is crucial that this factor be taken into account in models of future sea level rise so we can prepare for a world with fewer glaciers and smaller ones."

Pete Tuckett, who made this discovery while studying for his master's degree in polar and alpine changes at the University of Sheffield, said: "The direct link between melting surfaces and glacier flows has been well documented in other parts of the world. the first time we saw this coupling anywhere in Antarctica.

"Given that atmospheric temperatures, and thus surface melting rates, are expected to increase in Antarctica, this discovery could have significant consequences for future rates of sea level rise."

Previous research has shown that Antarctica loses 200 billion tons of ice a year.

The melting of the ice caps not only causes sea level rise, it will also contribute to aggravating natural disasters.

READ MORE: Scientists from Antarctica discover a weird creature at 3,500 m under the ice

Andrew Shepherd, professor of Earth observation at the University of Leeds and lead author of a study published in Nature, said: "Around Brooklyn, a flood occurs about once a year, but if you raise the sea level by 15 centimeters, this will happen 20 times a year. "

According to Google's interactive map, FireTree, a two meter rise could ruin the Netherlands, with most of the country submerged.

In the United Kingdom, northern Scotland would suffer the same fate and vast areas of eastern England would become uninhabitable.

The New York lowlands would also be severely damaged by the rapid rise in sea level.

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