Glaciers In West Antarctica

Over the past two years Antarctic glaciers have been making headlines, and not in a good way. Glaciers in all parts of Antarctica have begun to rapidly melt, some faster than others. Coherently, water levels have begun to rise at an almost dangerous rate. Sea level rises suggested by research would impact every area of the globe; it is estimated around 150 million people live within just 3 feet of elevation above current sea levels (Algar). Glacial measurements computed by remote-sensing apparatuses on CryoSat 2 satellites show that the surfaces of several glaciers are dropping nearly four meters every year and have lost close to one/fifth of their thickness since the late twentieth century. Changes in Earth’s gravitational field have resulted

The enormous Totten Glacier in East Antarctica shares a prime similarity with the glaciers in West Antarctica; namely, its roots extend deep below sea level, indicating the exposure to warm seawater. Research done by the University of California and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory uncovered that between 1996 and 2013 Totten’s grounding line retreated as much as 3 kilometers in some places (Mooney). Unfortunately, researchers were only able to gather data for 20% of Totten’s grounding line. The most concerning issue relating to Totten is the immense catchment of ice it holds back. The deluge from the melting glacier could cause sea levels to increase more than 11 feet, globally. Though no dramatic destabilization has occurred in the eastern region, “warming waters can influence this area and access a lot of ice leading to long-term large sea-level rise”, reports Penn State University glaciologist Richard Alley. Further research will help predict potential outcomes and determine rational

Examinations conclude that a great number of ice shelves are due to disintegrate caused by ocean warming alone. Ocean levels continue to increase at an alarming rate. Glacial melting in Antarctica will have a global impact. Therefore, this is a matter that should be handled by everyone globally. Currently, there appears to be clear control over the climate of Antarctica, assisting in determining what path the continent is on and the direct it leans towards. Fortunately, glacial melting has not reached the point destabilization, but even reducing greenhouse gases will not stop the increasing ice melt. Adopting energy policies and other practices like reducing deforestation, all of which reduce carbon emissions, are central to the issue (Bellware). Global decisions will determine if glacial melt will continue to accelerate or decelerate. There still exists a silver