The size of the state of Sao Paulo, the Thwaites glacier, located in West Antarctica, is of interest to scientists. The rapid rate of melting of a glacier could have disastrous consequences as a result of its collapse. The melting of this structure is caused by rising ocean temperatures around the area.
No wonder it is called “Ice doomsdayAccording to research, its melting is responsible for 4% sea level rise in the vicinity.
Remember: this glacier is the size of the state of São Paulo! Therefore, even the slightest percentage of its melting is already a huge impact on the environment.
So this rate of melting of glaciers has scientists worried about what this might mean for global sea levels.
The first human communities to be affected will be those in coastal and low-lying areas, by floods and even swallowing up small islands whole.
About studies
In order to understand what is happening to Thwaites GlacierScientists used a robot called “Icefin”. It is capable of reaching depths of 600 meters and making shooting and photographing recordings. In addition, the robot recorded vital data from the area, such as temperatures and salt levels.
It is important to know that Thwaites is one of the most unstable systems in Antarctica. This is due to the grounding zone (where it meets the sea floor) which has receded 14 km since the late 1990s.
The aggravating factor for this region is that it is below ocean level, which makes it vulnerable to faster and irreversible loss of size.
And although studies have found that the rate of melting of glaciers is not as bad as previously thought, the cracks and ladders that form in the ice are already in the process of rapidly deteriorating.
Therefore, chances are high that these changes will accelerate in the coming years.
Consequences of melting glaciers
We are part of nature’s system, but today we are able to build modern tools in concrete jungles. Therefore, melting glaciers will have a strong impact on communities closer to the seas.
Another consequence of human life also relates to international geopolitics. The area around Thwaites, because it is rich in natural resources, is the focus of many countries (such as the USA, China and Russia).
In addition, marine life will eventually suffer a chain effect in different locations, both at the food chain level and at the geographic levels, due to the migration of native species.
