Why is the Thwaites Glacier expedition critical for Antarctica?

The expedition is studying Thwaites, Antarctica's fastest-melting glacier, which could significantly raise global sea levels if it melts entirely.

What methods are scientists using to study Thwaites Glacier?

Scientists are using aerial radar, underwater rigs, and drilling hot water through the ice to gather data on Thwaites Glacier.

How much could global sea levels rise from Thwaites Glacier melting?

If Thwaites Glacier melts completely, it could raise global sea levels by approximately two feet.

Home / Science / Antarctic Expedition Tackles World's Fastest-Melting Glacier

Antarctic Expedition Tackles World's Fastest-Melting Glacier

8 Jan

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Summary

Scientists are studying Thwaites, a glacier the size of Florida, in Antarctica.
Melting Thwaites could raise global sea levels by two feet.
Expedition uses air, sea, and surface methods to research glacier.

Antarctic Expedition Tackles World's Fastest-Melting Glacier

An international team of nearly 40 scientists has reached Antarctica's Thwaites Glacier aboard the icebreaker Araon, commencing a crucial 12-day study. This ambitious campaign aims to investigate the glacier, which is as large as Florida and poses a significant threat of raising global sea levels by two feet if it melts completely.

The expedition is employing a multi-faceted approach, utilizing aerial radar systems to examine the ice's interior and deploying remote-controlled rigs into underwater rifts. A daring surface team will camp on the glacier for a month, attempting to drill a half-mile-deep hole to place instruments in the sub-glacial seawater, where warm currents are eroding the ice from below.

This research is critical as accelerated melting of Thwaites could destabilize the West Antarctic ice sheet, potentially leading to a 10 to 15-foot rise in sea levels over centuries. The expedition's success hinges on navigating challenging sea ice conditions and favorable weather for helicopter operations, with a tight deadline to complete the drilling project before the Araon must return to New Zealand around February 10.