Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Goes Missing in Antarctica’s ‘Doomsday Glacier’
An underwater vehicle named Ran has mysteriously disappeared while exploring the treacherous depths of Antarctica’s Thwaites Glacier, also known as the “Doomsday Glacier.” The 23-foot unmanned underwater vehicle (AUV) was on a mission to study the glacier when it vanished without a trace over the weekend. Ran is one of only three similar vehicles in the world and is equipped with advanced technology and sensors that allow it to measure and document water conditions beneath glacial ice for extended periods. The estimated cost of this cutting-edge AUV is around $3.6 million.
The Thwaites Glacier, which forms part of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS), is the widest glacier on Earth, spanning an impressive surface area of about 74,000 square miles. To put that into perspective, it is larger than the state of Florida and twice the size of Maine. This massive glacier has earned its ominous nickname, the Doomsday Glacier, due to the catastrophic impact it would have on global sea levels if it were to melt completely. Scientists estimate that sea levels would rise by an average of 25 inches, or over 2 feet, worldwide if Thwaites were to collapse entirely.
Furthermore, experts fear that the collapse of Thwaites could trigger a domino effect, causing other glaciers in the region to follow suit. This chain reaction could lead to several meters of sea level rise globally, resulting in the inundation of major cities such as Shanghai, New York, Miami, Tokyo, and Mumbai. Coastal regions would be swallowed up, and low-lying island nations like Kiribati, Tuvalu, and the Maldives would face near-total submersion.
Currently, Thwaites contributes approximately 4 percent to global sea level rise, losing a net of roughly 50 billion tons of ice annually. Since the year 2000, it has shed an astonishing 1000 billion tons. Ran plays a vital role in investigating glaciers like Thwaites by diving beneath the ice, which can be up to 1,640 feet thick. Normally, the AUV operates independently, with its route preprogrammed and no constant contact with the research vessel, the South Korean icebreaker RV/IB Araon. However, during this particular mission, something went awry, and Ran failed to resurface as expected.
Despite extensive search efforts utilizing acoustic search equipment, helicopters, and drones, the underwater vehicle remains lost beneath the ice. Anna Wåhlin, a professor of oceanography at the University of Gothenburg and a member of the research team, expressed the challenges they face in locating Ran, comparing it to searching for a needle in a haystack without knowing where the haystack is. The team suspects that Ran encountered unforeseen difficulties and was unable to escape.
While the chances of recovering Ran seem slim, the researchers are grateful for the data it has already collected. The information gathered by Ran is unique and invaluable for international research efforts. Wåhlin acknowledges that losing the AUV is a significant setback but believes it is a more fitting end than having it sit idle in storage. Ran has been an integral part of their work for the past five years, participating in ten expeditions and contributing to training, development, and testing. The team’s focus now shifts to replacing Ran and continuing their vital research.
The loss of Ran serves as a reminder of the risks involved in exploring the world’s most challenging environments. The dedication and determination of scientists like Anna Wåhlin and her team highlight the importance of understanding the impact of climate change on our planet. As we navigate an uncertain future, their work sheds light on the potential consequences of melting glaciers and emphasizes the urgent need for global action to mitigate the effects of climate change.