A process that can contribute to the melting of ice shelves in the Antarctic has been discovered by researchers. An international team of researchers has discovered that adjacent ice shelves play a role in causing instability in others downstream. The University of East Anglia in the UK led a st
Research ship the Nathaniel B Palmer at the Thwaites Ice Shelf in Antarctica. Credit: Aleksandra Mazur
The Thwaites Ice Shelf is one of the biggest ice shelves in West Antarctica and buttresses the eastern side of the Thwaites Glacier, which has been retreating rapidly over the last 20 years and is the largest contributor to global sea-level rise among Antarctic glaciers.
The glacial meltwater mixes with saltwater when the ocean melts the base of ice shelves and can form a buoyant layer of water that is warmer than the surrounding waters. This lighter, relatively fresher, and warmer water brings heat that melts the base of the Thwaites Ice Shelf. Researchers erecting a monitoring tower with atmospheric sensors on the Thwaites Ice Shelf. Credit: Karen Alley
By combining the information with computer simulations to identify the origin of this heat, they found that the water that leaves the Pine Island Ice Shelf can access the areas beneath Thwaites Ice Shelf.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Scientists discover monster 17-pound meteorite in Antarctica | Digital TrendsA team of researchers working in Antarctica have discovered a massive meteorite, weighing in at a hefty 17 pounds.
Read more »
Physicists Discover a New Approach for Solving the Bizarre Dark Energy MysteryWhat is behind dark energy — and what connects it to the cosmological constant introduced by Albert Einstein? Two physicists from the University of Luxembourg point the way to answering these open questions of physics. The universe has a number of bizarre properties that are difficult to understa
Read more »
Will an AI be the first to discover alien life?SETI, the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, is deploying machine-learning algorithms that filter out Earthly interference and spot signals humans might miss.
Read more »
Researchers discover the fast food link to fatty liver diseaseAbout 30% of people in the United States have non-alcoholic, fatty, liver disease - and many don't know they have it.
Read more »
Researchers Discover That Electrons Play a Surprising Role in Heat Transfer Between Layers of SemiconductorsAn electronic bridge facilitates the fast transfer of energy between semiconductors. Researchers are exploring the potential applications of two-dimensional (2D) materials in transistors and optoelectronics, as semiconductor devices continue to become smaller. Controlling the flow of electricity an
Read more »
Sports betting in Mass. ushers in new era of gambling, along with new social risksAs of January 31, Massachusetts will allow legalized sports betting in casinos, with legal mobile sports gambling set to follow a few weeks after. Rachel Volberg, a professor and researcher, discusses the what new social risks may come along with the new era of gambling in the state.
Read more »