There have been some recent public news reports about ongoing research on factors affecting the rate of the melting of Antarcticas’ Thwaites Glacier. I’ve provided two very recent links that capture the current understanding of researchers. The text link provides a nice summary of the research. The YouTube link, featuring the researchers involved in the work, adds clarity and personal insight on the topic.
Here is a link to an extensive December 13 text-based report. (https://www.opb.org/article/2021/12/16/thwaites-glacier-antarctica-oregon-science-sea-level-rise-climate-change-oregon-state-university-study/
A summary paragraph from this article (Oregon scientists say major Antarctic Glacier on verge of collapse) really caught my attention:
“The deterioration of Thwaites Glacier — and its contribution of two feet of sea-level rise over the course of a century — may seem like a problem for another generation. But the dire consequences of rising ocean levels will be felt long before 2121. Pettit says even a centimeter of sea-level rise can change erosion patterns, cause saltwater to move farther up into marshes, and change the impact of storm surges.”
But the visuals and Q & A session presented, in the hour-long Youtube Press Conference in this link, by the actual researchers in this field, significantly raised my comprehension of the site-specific and temporal factors affecting the glacier’s melting and predicted global impacts.
Hope others also find the information informative!