„Ghețarul Apocalipsei” se topește mai repede decât credeau oamenii de știință. Modelele vechi au greșit de patru ori

Thwaites Glacier, known as the "Doomsday Glacier," may contribute to sea level rise twice as much as previously estimated. A study from the University of California, Irvine, and NASA's JPL reveals that existing models underestimated the glacier's retreat speed. Thwaites, comparable in size to Florida, currently contributes about 4% to sea level rise. Its melting could raise ocean levels by over 60 centimeters if it completely melts. The glacier acts as a barrier, holding back ice masses behind it, and its collapse could lead to even greater sea level increases. The new study highlights a more dynamic grounding line than previously thought, allowing warmer ocean water to erode the glacier from below. This could result in a contribution of 30 millimeters to sea level rise by 2100, significantly higher than earlier projections. Researchers warn that the risk of coastal flooding may be greater than anticipated, especially with extreme weather events.