The Thwaites Glacier, ominously nicknamed the “Doomsday Glacier,” is rapidly destabilizing, and scientists are raising alarms about its potential to cause catastrophic global sea level rise. Stretching 80 miles across West Antarctica, Thwaites alone could raise sea levels by up to 11 feet if it fully collapses—a scenario that would devastate coastal cities worldwide. New research from the Journal of Geophysical Research Earth Surface highlights the growing fractures within the glacier’s ice shelf, which acts as a natural dam. If that ice shelf fails, the glacier’s flow into the ocean could accelerate dramatically. The study emphasizes that traditional models have underestimated the complexity of ice fractures, leaving the world dangerously unprepared for sudden glacial shifts.

Using high-resolution satellite data from NASA’s ICESat-2, Penn State researchers developed a more advanced method to track the development of fractures across the glacier. This approach has revealed a troubling feedback loop: as fractures spread, the glacier flows faster, which in turn causes more fractures. The eastern portion of Thwaites is especially vulnerable, although the precise reasons remain unclear. Ocean warming, shifting currents, and thinning sea ice may all be contributing factors. As glaciologist Shujie Wang warns, if Thwaites crosses a tipping point, the consequences could be catastrophic—and irreversible. These findings signal an urgent need for enhanced observation, early warning systems, and global cooperation to prepare for rising seas.

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SOURCE: Daily Galaxy