Thwaites Glacier Faces Major Ice Loss by 23rd Century

Thwaites Glacier, one of the largest glaciers in Antarctica, has been experiencing a significant retreat for more than 80 years, with a marked acceleration in the last three decades. This glacier, which is crucial to the stability of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, has seen its ice loss more than double from the 1990s to the 2010s. Recent studies have revealed a complex and rapidly changing environment, prompting researchers to employ advanced technologies such as underwater robots and new survey techniques to gain insights into the glacier's behavior. The latest computer models indicate that the rate of ice loss from Thwaites Glacier will continue to accelerate through the 22nd century. This alarming trend raises concerns about the potential for a widespread collapse of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet by the 23rd century, which could lead to a significant rise in global sea levels. If Thwaites were to collapse entirely, it could contribute to a sea level rise of approximately 65 centimeters. Researchers are also investigating additional processes that may not yet be fully understood or incorporated into large-scale models, which could further accelerate the glacier's retreat. The findings underscore the importance of immediate climate intervention to address the warming ocean waters that are primarily driving the glacier's retreat. Overall, the situation at Thwaites Glacier highlights the urgent need for continued research and climate action to mitigate the impacts of climate change on polar ice and global sea levels.