Noah Smith : “Antarctica’s Glaciers: Submarine Curtains Ineffective”

By Trend News Line 2024-04-03 01:07:31.

Investigating the Impact of Artificial Structures in Antarctica

In a recent study, researchers have proposed the construction of artificial structures, such as submarine curtains or walls, to halt the warming ocean from reaching the rapidly melting glaciers in West Antarctica. The potential benefits of such interventions are significant, with trillions of dollars in coastal impacts potentially avoided. However, the cost of implementing these structures is estimated to be substantial, ranging from US$50 billion to US$100 billion for construction and an additional US$1 billion annually for maintenance. Furthermore, there are concerns about the potential negative impacts on the rest of the ice sheet and marine life in the Southern Ocean.

Understanding the Threat to West Antarctica

The future of the Antarctic ice sheet remains uncertain, with projections of global sea-level rise heavily dependent on the fate of West Antarctica. Over the past 25 years, the ice sheet has already contributed 7.6mm to global sea-level rise, and the rate of mass loss is accelerating. A key driver of this loss is the warm ocean current that flows into deep basins near West Antarctica, triggering the melting of ice that flows into the ocean. The Amundsen Sea Embayment, in particular, is identified as the most vulnerable sector of the ice sheet, experiencing significant rates of ice loss.

Challenges in Halting Glacial Retreat

Recent research suggests that the retreat of glaciers in the Amundsen Sea Embayment may be irreversible, with satellite observations revealing extensive thinning and retreat. Glaciers in this region rest on bedrock that lies deep below sea level, exacerbating the risk of runaway retreat and potential collapse of the entire West Antarctic ice sheet. The implications of such a collapse would be catastrophic, leading to over a metre of sea-level rise and displacing millions of people globally.

Exploring Potential Solutions

To investigate the feasibility of halting glacial retreat in West Antarctica, researchers used a sophisticated computer model to simulate various scenarios. By blocking warm water from reaching the ice sheet, they were able to reduce the rate of ice loss and its contribution to sea-level rise. However, the simulations revealed that simply cooling the ocean would not be sufficient to stop sea-level rise or facilitate the regrowth of lost ice. The process would require centuries of increased snowfall to rebuild the mass of ice that has been lost.

The Future of West Antarctica

While the implementation of artificial structures may offer some relief in slowing down ice loss, the study concludes that ongoing sea-level rise is inevitable. The rate of ice loss and global sea-level rise in the coming decades will depend heavily on the emissions reductions put in place today. Despite the potential benefits of geoengineering proposals, the long-term outlook for West Antarctica remains challenging, underscoring the urgent need for immediate action to mitigate climate change..

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