Computer models suggest Thwaites glacier in Antarctica could keep retreating even if the surrounding ocean cooled to unrealistically low temperatures. A nearby glacier may grow, but the so-called doomsday glacier would still keep melting.
01Summary
- 01New Scientist reports that computer models were used to study Thwaites glacier in Antarctica.
- 02The models suggest even unrealistically cold oceans would not be enough to stop Thwaites from retreating.
- 03The report says a neighbouring glacier might begin to grow if the ocean cooled.
- 04Thwaites is described as Antarctica’s “doomsday” glacier.
02Why it matters
Thwaites is important because continued retreat could add to sea level rise and affect coastal communities. The finding suggests the glacier may be harder to stabilise than hoped, even if ocean temperatures fall.
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