'Doomsday Glacier' melting faster than expected, study warns

A new study reveals that Thwaites Glacier, also known as the "Doomsday Glacier," is melting at an accelerated rate than initially projected. Researchers from the University of California, Irvine, and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory utilized a new ice sheet model that includes a "grounding zone" to better understand the glacier's behavior.

This updated model indicates that Thwaites Glacier could add up to 1.2 inches to global sea levels by 2100, which is twice the current estimate. The glacier, which is located in one of the most remote areas on Earth, has been retreating for decades, contributing to around 4% of global sea level rise. Its rapid retreat is primarily driven by processes at its "grounding line," where the ice separates from the seabed to form an ice shelf.

Scientists have found that the grounding line is actually a "grounding zone," which is wider than previously thought. This zone allows warm ocean water to seep into the ice sheet, causing significant melting. The land beneath Thwaites Glacier slopes downward, and as the glacier melts, more ice comes into contact with warm water.

Additionally, the glacier is slowly detaching from underwater ridges, which could lead to its swift retreat towards the next ridge. If this happens, Thwaites Glacier could raise sea levels by more than 2 feet, impacting millions of people worldwide. The study highlights the need for further research and emphasizes the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate the worst impacts of climate change.