Thwaites Glacier in Antarctica is melting faster than expected. It is also called Doomsday Glacier. According to a new study by scientists, the melting of these glaciers could raise the water level of the world’s oceans by about 1.2 inches by the year 2100. This is double the previous estimate. Even if global temperatures do not rise further, this threat will remain. The study has been done by scientists from the University of California, Irvine and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory of the American space agency NASA. Its results have been published in the journal Nature Communications.

Melting of all the ice on Thwaites Glacier could raise sea levels by more than 2 feet. It also helps prevent the loss of Antarctica’s vast ice sheets. Due to its collapse, the sea level is threatened to rise by about 10 feet. This could seriously affect people living in coastal areas from Miami to Manila.

Why is the glacier melting so fast?

Thwaites Glacier is in West Antarctica. Its size is roughly the size of the American state of Florida. It is located in one of the most remote areas on Earth and has been retreating for several decades. Melting of its ice currently contributes about 4% of sea level rise. Scientists created a new model to understand the conditions beneath the glacier. They discovered that the gap between ice attached to the ocean floor and ice floating on water may be wider than previously thought. It is called grounding zone. When the tide comes in this area, the sea water comes and goes under the glacier. This process is called tidal pumping. Because of this, relatively warm sea water reaches deep under the ice and melts it quickly.

Breaking ice from an underwater mountain

The ground below the glacier is steep. Two hills present below the water here prevent the ice from flowing rapidly into the sea. But according to the study, the glacier is gradually separating from a hill called Mousenott Ridge. Scientists estimate that by the year 2100 there is a 60% chance that the ice will break off from this hill. If this happens, the glacier can quickly slide down the slope.

What will be the impact on coastal cities?

Eric Rignot, co-author of the study and a professor at the University of California, Irvine, said this could increase the risk of flooding in coastal areas in the coming decades. Scientists will install instruments under the glacier in 2028 to record the movement of sea water. Rignot said that reducing pollution is necessary to stop climate change. However, future sea level rise may occur due to damage already done.