Collapse of the western antecarct ice shield: urgent need for action!

Collapse of the western antecarct ice shield: urgent need for action!

The Western Athrumstic ice shield stands ago that could have far -reaching consequences for global sea levels. According to a study published in "Communications Earth & Environment" and was also also included by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), a possible collapse of the ice shield over several centuries could result in an increase in sea level by up to four meters. The research team, which, in addition to PIK, also includes the Norwegian Research Center Norce and Northumbria University, has analyzed 800,000 years of model simulations in order to examine the reactions of the ice sheet for past climate fluctuations. Two stable states of the ice shield were identified: one in which the ice shield is still present, and another that shows a collapsed condition. The main reason for the change between these conditions is the increase in sea temperatures around the Antarctic. Furthermore, the study shows that the ocean, not the atmosphere, is the heat source for melting the ice.

The urgency cannot be overlooked: In order to avoid catastrophic scenarios, enforcing measures to reduce emission are necessary. The research team emphasizes that the ice loss has a self -reinforcing effect and could be difficult to stop. A complete return process for a stable state after a collapse could take thousands of years. The realization that the ice shield can be destabilized in decades, even though it needs tens of thousands of years to grow, makes it clear that rapid action is required. A decline in the ice shield could no longer be averted as soon as the sea level has reached an increase of four meters, which is regarded as a tilting point. This has far -reaching effects on coastal regions worldwide, with experts warning of the economic consequences.

new hope: ice sign is growing

While the scenario sounds dramatic, there are also bright spots. According to the current research-and-knowledge reports have increased in mass for the first time in decades. This positive development has reduced the global increase in sea levels in recent years. A study by Tongji University shows that between 2021 and 2023 the ice grew by 107.79 gigatons annually. The reason for this increase is high rainfall that have contributed to the record of the ice mass.

Earlier analyzes had shown that the ice shield, especially in West Antarctic and on the Antarctic Peninsula, continuously lost mass, while the glaciers in the Eastern ATARKTIS were stable. The satellite data from Grace and Grace-FO show that the ice shield took a turn in 2021 to 2023 despite its previous losses. However, the contribution of the Antarctic inland ice to the global increase in sea levels remains a sensitive topic, since the glaciers in West Antarctic are still at risk.

climate change and its effects

climate change plays a central role in the situation of the ice shield. As the Environmental Authority , the Antarctic has been strongly warm up in the past 50 years. The Antarctic Peninsula in particular recorded a temperature increase of 2.6 ° C. Adjustments in the ecosystem are noticeable, and this increases the pressure in many ways. Not only the crilling stock is reduced, but also domestic bird species withdraw in cooler areas, while subantarctic species move south.