A recent study published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans suggests that warm water from the deep sea is flowing towards one of Antarctica’s largest ice shelves, potentially threatening its integrity. The Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf, located in the Weddell Sea, appears stable at present but could experience dramatic melting if warmer water reaches underneath the ice.
Researchers found that during warmer years, warm water flows more rapidly toward the shelf, possibly linked to reduced sea ice cover. If this trend continues, the shelf’s melting could lead to significant sea level rise. However, the study’s findings are not conclusive and may be attributed to natural variability in the region.
Lead researcher Nadine Steiger notes that if warmer water reaches the base of the ice shelf, it would melt the ice. The consequences would be severe, with massive sea level rise potentially occurring. But climate expert Kaitlin Naughten cautions that more research is needed to determine the extent of this threat.
According to Naughten, the deep ocean water around Antarctica is not particularly warm but can still melt ice quickly. The study’s findings highlight the importance of long-term observations in understanding this region and predicting future changes.
While some researchers believe that warming waters would only be a significant threat in extreme climate change scenarios, others note that rapid ice loss in West Antarctica already contributes significantly to sea level rise.
Source: https://www.livescience.com/planet-earth/antarctica/warm-water-from-deep-sea-flowing-towards-one-of-antarcticas-largest-ice-shelves