A recent study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has shed new light on the early recession of West Antarctica’s Thwaites Glacier, also known as the “doomsday glacier.” Contrary to previous beliefs, scientists have discovered that the glacier began rapidly retreating in the 1940s, much earlier than anticipated. This revelation has raised concerns about the potential catastrophic consequences if the glacier were to collapse.
While scientists had already observed the accelerated retreat of Thwaites Glacier by the 1970s, they were uncertain about when it initially started. By examining the marine sedimentary record, researchers attempted to reconstruct the glacier’s history and found that both Thwaites and its neighboring Pine Island Glacier lost contact with the seafloor highs in the 1940s. These significant changes coincided with a massive El Nino weather phenomenon, indicating that both glaciers were responding to the same external drivers.
The study highlights that the retreat of these two major ice streams is not solely driven by internal dynamics unique to each glacier but is influenced by external oceanographic and atmospheric factors. Climate variability, as demonstrated by recent modeling studies, modulates these drivers. The synchronous ice retreat in the Amundsen Sea drainage sector emphasizes the difficulty of reversing the consequences of naturally occurring weather events. Furthermore, human activity has made it even more challenging to address these issues.
The scientists involved in the study express concern over the continued retreat of Thwaites and Pine Island glaciers since the 1940s. They suggest that these glaciers were unable to recover after the exceptionally large El Nino event of that decade. While anthropogenic forcing may have played a role in this ongoing retreat, it also implies that large-scale atmospheric and ocean circulation changes have been at play.
The findings of this study have significant implications for our understanding of West Antarctica’s ice sheet dynamics and its vulnerability to climate change. Thwaites Glacier, often referred to as the “doomsday glacier,” is a critical component of the Antarctic ice sheet. Its potential collapse could contribute to a significant rise in global sea levels, threatening coastal communities worldwide.
Scientists and policymakers are now faced with the challenge of developing strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change on Thwaites Glacier and other vulnerable regions. The study underscores the urgency of taking action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming. Without concerted efforts to address these issues, the consequences for our planet could be dire.
In conclusion, the new study revealing the early recession of West Antarctica’s Thwaites Glacier in the 1940s has provided valuable insights into the glacier’s history and the external drivers behind its melting. The findings emphasize the complex interplay between natural weather events and human-induced climate change. As we grapple with the potential consequences of Thwaites Glacier’s collapse, it is crucial that we prioritize efforts to combat climate change and protect our planet for future generations.