Thwaites Glacier
Context:
Thwaites Glacier, often called the "Doomsday Glacier," is melting rapidly due to climate change.
Recent studies have highlighted its vulnerability, particularly its susceptibility to warm ocean water weakening its base.
Location & Features:
It is situated in the Amundsen Sea sector of West Antarctica.
It is one of the widest glaciers in the world (approx. 120 km wide) and roughly the size of Great Britain.
A significant portion of the glacier rests on bedrock that slopes downward toward the continent's interior (below sea level).
This geometry makes it unstable and prone to Marine Ice Sheet Instability (MISI).
Why is it called the "Doomsday Glacier"?
Sea Level Rise Potential:
Thwaites holds enough ice to raise global sea levels by over 65 cm if it melts completely.
Keystone Role:
It acts as a "keystone" or cork for the massive West Antarctic Ice Sheet.
If Thwaites collapses, it could destabilize surrounding glaciers, potentially leading to a much larger sea-level rise (over 3 meters) in the long term.
Rapid Retreat:
Its ice loss has nearly doubled over the last 30 years, contributing significantly to current global sea-level rise (approx. 4%).
Recent Scientific Findings:
Warm Water Intrusion:
Scientists have discovered that warm ocean water is infiltrating deep beneath the glacier's floating ice shelf, melting it from below at its grounding line (where the ice leaves the bedrock and begins to float).
Fractures:
The ice shelf bracing the glacier is showing signs of fracturing, which could accelerate the flow of land-based ice into the ocean.