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For the First Time, Scientists Map the Ground Beneath Antarctica’s Most At-Risk Glacier

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Research conducted by a team including Professor Bernd Kulessa from Swansea University has revealed significant geological features beneath Thwaites Glacier in Antarctica, which is crucial for refining predictions about sea-level rise. This glacier, comparable in size to Great Britain, is experiencing rapid changes due to climate change. The study, led by the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and published in Science Advances, utilized airborne surveys with radar technology to map subglacial structures. Surprisingly, the findings indicated a scarcity of sedimentary rocks, which could affect how quickly the glacier retreats into the ocean.

The research identified areas with thick sediments that allow for faster ice movement, revealing how the geological landscape controls basal shear stress influencing ice flow. The grounding zone has retreated 14 km since the late 1990s, raising concerns about irreversible ice loss that could elevate global sea levels by over half a meter in the coming centuries. The comprehensive map created from this study aims to enhance the accuracy of future ice flow and climate impact models by providing insights into subsurface conditions. Further investigations will explore the implications of these geological factors on glacial retreat and overall climate change predictions.

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