A new study has revealed a surprising anomaly in the Antarctic ice sheet, where the glacier gained mass between 2021 and 2023. Researchers attribute this increase to unusually heavy snowfall in the Wilkes Land-Queen Mary Land region, allowing four major glaciers to reverse their decline.
For years, Antarctica’s ice loss contributed significantly to sea level rise, with an average annual loss of 73.79 gigatonnes per year between 2002 and 2010. However, recent anomalous snowfall helped the region gain around 107.79 gigatonnes of ice per year, reducing the annual rise in sea level to 0.30 millimeters.
Experts warn that this temporary increase is not a sign of lasting recovery. The rebound is attributed to abnormal weather patterns rather than a stable shift in glacial health. Without consistent snowfall and cooling temperatures, the trend is unlikely to continue.
Rising temperatures and warming ocean waters remain two key drivers of Antarctic ice loss. Warmer air reduces snowfall accumulation, while the surrounding seas erode glaciers from below, contributing directly to sea level rise.
Despite this temporary slowdown in ice loss, the underlying climate challenges remain pressing. The Antarctic ice sheet remains highly vulnerable to both atmospheric and oceanic warming.
Source: https://en.as.com/latest_news/antarctic-glacier-gains-unexpected-mass-scientists-investigate-and-encounter-strong-unstable-element-n