Scientists have discovered over 360 previously undetected earthquakes beneath Antarctica’s Thwaites Glacier from 2010 to 2023. This finding sheds new light on the stability of this critical ice formation, often referred to as the “Doomsday Glacier.”
The research, led by Thanh-Son Pham at the Australian National University, involved reanalyzing seismic data. The team found low-frequency vibrations that typical detection methods missed. Most earthquakes occurred where the glacier meets the Amundsen Sea, a region known for its massive icebergs breaking off. The most activity was noted between 2018 and 2020, a time when the glacier began moving faster.
These earthquakes relate to melting at the glacier’s base, driven by warm ocean water. Such melting and fracturing could lead to a major collapse, raising global sea levels by up to 10 feet. This would threaten about 28,800 square miles of U.S. coastal land and impact around 12.3 million people, especially in cities like New York, Miami, and New Orleans.
Experts from climate science have noted that rising sea levels due to the melting glaciers could cause extensive flooding. A recent study indicated that climate change is speeding up the melting process of major glaciers worldwide. This adds urgency to monitoring efforts, with international teams now deploying more instruments to track changes. They’re using a mix of seismic data, satellite images, and ice-flow models to predict future shifts more accurately.
The increasing earthquakes point to heightened instability in the Thwaites Glacier, making it crucial for scientists and policymakers to act. With growing urgency surrounding climate impacts, understanding these changes could help mitigate risks in vulnerable coastal areas.
For more insights into climate change and its effects, you might explore resources like the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The situation remains a reminder of how interconnected our planet’s systems are and how they can impact each other in profound ways.
