Thwaites Glacier Melting Could Double Previous Sea-Level Projections
Antarctica’s Thwaites Glacier may be melting faster than previously projected, with a new model estimating that it could add up to 30 millimeters to global sea-level rise by 2100 even without additional global warming.
The study points to warm ocean water penetrating miles beneath the glacier, where it weakens the ice’s foundations and accelerates its retreat. Researchers also estimate a 60% chance that a crucial ridge of ice will be lost during this century, removing a major stabilizing feature.
If the projections hold, Thwaites could contribute roughly twice as much to sea-level rise as earlier estimates. The findings highlight the role of subsurface ocean warming in the glacier’s ongoing retreat and the potential consequences for coastal areas.