Ghostly plumes of "sea smoke" have been seen rising from a glacier in Antarctica. NASA's Landsat 8 satellite captured the extraordinary atmospheric phenomenon above Antarctica's Pine Island Glacier.

The images were captured on October 10 and show two atmospheric phenomena - sea smoke forming at the glacier's edge and snow streams.

The near-surface atmospheric phenomena is normally not visible because of a cloud cover, Christopher Shuman, a glaciologist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, said in a statement.&nbsp;

Sea smoke is caused when ice, water and air interact. Shuman says the pictures show the power of winds, as when they push water and sea ice away from the glacier's front, warmer water comes up.

This warm water comes in contact with the cold Antarctic air and creates a dramatic condensation effect. Small ice crystals are formed in the process which look like ghostly plumes rising from the water's surface.

<h2>Two major glaciers of Antarctica</h2>

Pine Island Glacier and the Thwaites Glacier are a critical pathway for ice flow from the West Antarctic Ice Sheet into the Amundsen Sea. However, both of them have been retreating rapidly and calving out huge chunks of icebergs.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-massive-continent-might-cease-to-exist-as-a-whole-in-the-coming-years-771526">THIS massive continent might cease to exist as a whole in the coming years</a>

The pictures also show streams of white snow being carried by powerful springtime winds. These snow streams originate from a chaotic shear zone of fractured ice near the glacier's southern edge.

Shuman says that katabatic winds are a signature feature of Antarctic climate. "One really shouldn't be surprised to see winds coming out of the interior with all the cold winter air that's been isolated there for months," Shuman said.

Experts say that the wind-driven phenomena bring to the fore important scientific questions about Antarctica's changing climate. How blowing snow affects the surface mass balance of polar ice sheets is a major question that intrigues scientists.

However, gathering data is a challenge because of the the remote location and harsh conditions of these sites.

Ghostly plumes of "sea smoke" have been seen rising from a glacier in Antarctica. NASA's Landsat 8 satellite captured the extraordinary atmospheric phenomenon above Antarctica's Pine Island Glacier.

Ghostly plumes of "sea smoke" have been seen rising from a glacier in Antarctica. NASA's Landsat 8 satellite captured the extraordinary atmospheric phenomenon above Antarctica's Pine Island Glacier. The images were captured on October 10 and show two atmospheric phenomena - sea smoke forming at the glacier's edge and snow streams. The near-surface atmospheric phenomena is normally not visible because of a cloud cover, Christopher Shuman, a glaciologist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, said in a statement. Sea smoke is caused when ice, water and air interact. Shuman says the pictures show the power of winds, as when they push water and sea ice away from the glacier's front, warmer water comes up. This warm water comes in contact with the cold Antarctic air and creates a dramatic condensation effect. Small ice crystals are formed in the process which look like ghostly plumes rising from the water's surface. Two major glaciers of Antarctica Pine Island Glacier and the Thwaites Glacier are a critical pathway for ice flow from the West Antarctic Ice Sheet into the Amundsen Sea. However, both of them have been retreating rapidly and calving out huge chunks of icebergs. Also Read: THIS massive continent might cease to exist as a whole in the coming years The pictures also show streams of white snow being carried by powerful springtime winds. These snow streams originate from a chaotic shear zone of fractured ice near the glacier's southern edge. Shuman says that katabatic winds are a signature feature of Antarctic climate. "One really shouldn't be surprised to see winds coming out of the interior with all the cold winter air that's been isolated there for months," Shuman said. Experts say that the wind-driven phenomena bring to the fore important scientific questions about Antarctica's changing climate. How blowing snow affects the surface mass balance of polar ice sheets is a major question that intrigues scientists. However, gathering data is a challenge because of the the remote location and harsh conditions of these sites.

Satellite captures bizarre smoke rising from Antarctic glacier. What is it?

In this new age, Google Maps has become a place to make discoveries still not found by scientists.

Internet sleuths have time and again spoken about finding bigfoot sightings and “holes to the centre of the Earth” through the web mapping platform.

In a new discovery, someone has now come up with an image of a weird structure on the icy slopes of&nbsp;Antarctica that is claimed to be a purported secret giant door.

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Google’s satellites had captured the mysterious anomaly, and its image was uploaded this year as users started giving personal theories regarding its true nature.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/giant-carnivorous-dinosaurs-roamed-freezing-australian-region-when-it-was-part-of-antarctica-762712">Giant carnivorous dinosaurs roamed freezing Australian region when it was part of Antarctica</a>

<h2>Here's how Redditors reacted to the anomaly</h2>

Some of the users stated that the structure is near a 67-year-old Japan-run research base called Showa Station and hence the “door” should be the entrance to a “secret Japanese bunker”.

Meanwhile, others said that it was “Bigfoot’s vacation home” (him again) or a “blown-off&nbsp;Boeing&nbsp;door”.

Watch:&nbsp;Antarctica Turns Green: Vegetation Cover Is Fast Taking Over Frozen Continent

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/antarctica-turns-green-vegetation-cover-is-fast-taking-over-frozen-continent-766088/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Some commentators said that it could be the entrance to a seed vault or underground bunker, which was like the&nbsp;Svalbard Global Seed Vault&nbsp;in Norway that contained millions of seeds as an “insurance policy for the world’s food supply”.

However, many Redditors said that it was not some door but only an ice formation and its shadow. Some even said that by zooming on Google Maps, “you’ll see the entire area littered with [similar] structures”.

(With inputs from agencies)

In this new age, Google Maps has become a place to make discoveries still not found by scientists. Internet sleuths have time and again spoken about finding bigfoot sightings and “holes to the centre of the Earth” through the web mapping platform.

In this new age, Google Maps has become a place to make discoveries still not found by scientists. Internet sleuths have time and again spoken about finding bigfoot sightings and “holes to the centre of the Earth” through the web mapping platform. In a new discovery, someone has now come up with an image of a weird structure on the icy slopes of Antarctica that is claimed to be a purported secret giant door. Massive door in Antarctica? 3/20/24 byu/realg00n inconspiracy × Google’s satellites had captured the mysterious anomaly, and its image was uploaded this year as users started giving personal theories regarding its true nature. Also Read: Giant carnivorous dinosaurs roamed freezing Australian region when it was part of Antarctica Here's how Redditors reacted to the anomaly Some of the users stated that the structure is near a 67-year-old Japan-run research base called Showa Station and hence the “door” should be the entrance to a “secret Japanese bunker”. Meanwhile, others said that it was “Bigfoot’s vacation home” (him again) or a “blown-off Boeing door”. Watch: Antarctica Turns Green: Vegetation Cover Is Fast Taking Over Frozen Continent Some commentators said that it could be the entrance to a seed vault or underground bunker, which was like the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway that contained millions of seeds as an “insurance policy for the world’s food supply”. However, many Redditors said that it was not some door but only an ice formation and its shadow. Some even said that by zooming on Google Maps, “you’ll see the entire area littered with [similar] structures”. (With inputs from agencies)

A 'secret giant door' in Antarctica? Google Maps' find triggers conspiracies on social media

A new study published in Nature Geoscience reveals that the world's coldest continent is fast turning green. Thanks to vegetation spread growing at an astounding rate, leading to mosses, lichens and grasses blossoming across the continent. This greening also coincides with a marked decrease in sea ice levels.

Antarctica Turns Green: Vegetation Cover Is Fast Taking Over Frozen Continent

Piercing through the pristine white snow of Antarctica is a structure that has baffled scientists. It looks like a pyramid jutting out of the ground, but is it really that or just a mountain?

The structure appears from under layers of dense frost at the Ellsworth Mountain range. People are intrigued by it since pyramids are not found in Antarctica. Egypt is one of the most famous places to spot a pyramid. Other countries where one can find a pyramid are Sudan, Mexico, Italy, Iraq and Peru.&nbsp;

Earth has been inhabited by several civilisations over millions of years. We have had a few extinction events, and not everything is known about all of them.&nbsp;

This pyramid-like structure has triggered conspiracy theories that it might be something built by one such civilisation in the past. However, most experts contend that it is merely a mountain that looks like a pyramid.

The Ellsworth Mountains is a 400-km-long range with several peaks protruding out of the snow. This pyramid-like peak is said to be one of them. It is located in an area known as the "Heritage Range" where fossils dating back to 500 million years have been previously discovered.

Professor Eric Rignot of the University of California, an expert in Earth system science, says, "This is just a mountain that looks like a pyramid," as reported by The Brighter Side of News.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/antarcticas-doomsday-glacier-might-completely-vanish-by-23rd-century-760249">Antarctica's 'doomsday glacier' might completely vanish by 23rd century</a>

He added, "Pyramid shapes are not impossible — many peaks partially look like pyramids, but they only have one to two faces like that, rarely four."

So how does one explain its pyramid-like sides? Geologists say those are just the result of erosion caused over hundreds of millions of years.&nbsp;

Dr Mitch Darcy, a geologist at the German Research Centre for Geosciences, said its pyramid-like appearance is merely a coincidence. "The pyramid-shaped structures are located in the Ellsworth Mountains, which is a range more than 400 km long, so it’s no surprise there are rocky peaks cropping out above the ice."

He added, "By definition, it is a nunatak, which is simply a peak of rock sticking out above a glacier or an ice sheet. This one has the shape of a pyramid, but that doesn’t make it a human construction."

Standing at 4,150 feet, the mountain has intrigued scientists and people alike for years.

Piercing through the pristine white snow of Antarctica is a structure that has baffled scientists. It looks like a pyramid jutting out of the ground, but is it really that or just a mountain?

Piercing through the pristine white snow of Antarctica is a structure that has baffled scientists. It looks like a pyramid jutting out of the ground, but is it really that or just a mountain? The structure appears from under layers of dense frost at the Ellsworth Mountain range. People are intrigued by it since pyramids are not found in Antarctica. Egypt is one of the most famous places to spot a pyramid. Other countries where one can find a pyramid are Sudan, Mexico, Italy, Iraq and Peru. Earth has been inhabited by several civilisations over millions of years. We have had a few extinction events, and not everything is known about all of them. This pyramid-like structure has triggered conspiracy theories that it might be something built by one such civilisation in the past. However, most experts contend that it is merely a mountain that looks like a pyramid. The Ellsworth Mountains is a 400-km-long range with several peaks protruding out of the snow. This pyramid-like peak is said to be one of them. It is located in an area known as the "Heritage Range" where fossils dating back to 500 million years have been previously discovered. Professor Eric Rignot of the University of California, an expert in Earth system science, says, "This is just a mountain that looks like a pyramid," as reported by The Brighter Side of News. Also Read: Antarctica's 'doomsday glacier' might completely vanish by 23rd century He added, "Pyramid shapes are not impossible — many peaks partially look like pyramids, but they only have one to two faces like that, rarely four." So how does one explain its pyramid-like sides? Geologists say those are just the result of erosion caused over hundreds of millions of years. Dr Mitch Darcy, a geologist at the German Research Centre for Geosciences, said its pyramid-like appearance is merely a coincidence. "The pyramid-shaped structures are located in the Ellsworth Mountains, which is a range more than 400 km long, so it’s no surprise there are rocky peaks cropping out above the ice." He added, "By definition, it is a nunatak, which is simply a peak of rock sticking out above a glacier or an ice sheet. This one has the shape of a pyramid, but that doesn’t make it a human construction." Standing at 4,150 feet, the mountain has intrigued scientists and people alike for years.

Pyramid or mountain? Perfectly shaped structure in Antarctica baffles Earthlings

Earth has witnessed several episodes of climatic changes over millions of years. Ice has formed a major part of it and is like a valuable time capsule that can help understand the climate during different time periods. It has proliferated across the planet at different points in time and has preserved dust and debris preserved through millennia.

Using this as a starting point, scientists are now trying to find the world's oldest ice.

Right now, the oldest known continuous ice record from Antarctica is 800,000 years old. However, now an international team&nbsp;of scientists is working to increase this to 1.5 million years.

However, it is hard to locate the exact place where scientists can find the oldest ice since glaciers move across land, and basal melting can eradicate records.&nbsp;

But, as per research published in Climate of the Past, the International Ocean Discovery Program Site U1537 near South America might be a ripe candidate for dating Oldest Ice. This is based on its marine dust content.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dozens-of-massive-craters-discovered-in-lake-michigan-no-asteroids-didnt-make-them-762778">Dozens of massive craters discovered in Lake Michigan. No, asteroids didn't make them</a>

To finalise the best candidate, researchers compared marine dust in southern Atlantic Ocean ice cores from Ocean Drilling Project Site 1090 with those of Site U1537. Dr&nbsp;Jessica Ng, of Scripps Institution of Oceanography, US and colleagues found Site U1537 to be the most appropriate marine dust record which was then compared to the ice dust of Epica Dome C on Antarctica.

They also created artificial Oldest Ice records and matched the patterns with the Site U1537 marine dust record.&nbsp;

They found that the records for the two sites matched up to 800,000 years ago. But the correlation reduced after that which may indicate spatial variability of dust influx across the southern hemisphere during the 40,000-year world scenario.

Meanwhile, another reason for finding the oldest ice is to understand why the mid-Pleistocene transition happened and what the consequences were.&nbsp;

Earth has witnessed several episodes of climatic changes over millions of years. Ice has formed a major part of it and is like a valuable time capsule that can help understand the climate during different time periods.

Earth has witnessed several episodes of climatic changes over millions of years. Ice has formed a major part of it and is like a valuable time capsule that can help understand the climate during different time periods. It has proliferated across the planet at different points in time and has preserved dust and debris preserved through millennia. Using this as a starting point, scientists are now trying to find the world's oldest ice. Right now, the oldest known continuous ice record from Antarctica is 800,000 years old. However, now an international team of scientists is working to increase this to 1.5 million years. However, it is hard to locate the exact place where scientists can find the oldest ice since glaciers move across land, and basal melting can eradicate records. But, as per research published in Climate of the Past, the International Ocean Discovery Program Site U1537 near South America might be a ripe candidate for dating Oldest Ice. This is based on its marine dust content. Also Read: Dozens of massive craters discovered in Lake Michigan. No, asteroids didn't make them To finalise the best candidate, researchers compared marine dust in southern Atlantic Ocean ice cores from Ocean Drilling Project Site 1090 with those of Site U1537. Dr Jessica Ng, of Scripps Institution of Oceanography, US and colleagues found Site U1537 to be the most appropriate marine dust record which was then compared to the ice dust of Epica Dome C on Antarctica. They also created artificial Oldest Ice records and matched the patterns with the Site U1537 marine dust record. They found that the records for the two sites matched up to 800,000 years ago. But the correlation reduced after that which may indicate spatial variability of dust influx across the southern hemisphere during the 40,000-year world scenario. Meanwhile, another reason for finding the oldest ice is to understand why the mid-Pleistocene transition happened and what the consequences were.

Scientists are on a mission to find 1.5-million-year-old ice, oldest in the world

Arctic sea ice registered a massive dip this summer and likely melted to its minimum extent for the year on September 11, 2024, according to researchers at NASA and the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC). Ice typically thaws and regrows between seasons in the region, but in the past 46 years, more of it has melted in the summer and less ice has formed in winter, satellite data shows.&nbsp;

Last week, scientists from the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) revealed that Thwaites Glacier, also known as "Doomsday Glacier", is inching dangerously close to collapsing. Their data suggested that it could completely vanish by the 23rd century. If this happens, global sea levels can rise by two feet (65cm), sinking several cities, the study says.

Amid this, a glimmer of hope has emerged as scientists say they have found a way to rebuild ice under the ocean. As per initial trials, researchers have found that pumping seawater onto snow in the Canadian Arctic can potentially make the ice beneath thicker.&nbsp;

The field trials were conducted by UK start-up Real Ice earlier this year which aims to thicken ice sheets in the Arctic that are essential for the survival of polar wildlife and Inuit communities.

The experiment involves drilling through the ice to the ocean after which water is pumped onto the snow above. The air pockets in the snow fill up with this water which freezes and gradually turns into ice.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/antarcticas-doomsday-glacier-might-completely-vanish-by-23rd-century-760249">Antarctica's 'doomsday glacier' might completely vanish by 23rd century</a>

“Our objective is to demonstrate that ice thickening can be effective in preserving and restoring Arctic sea ice,” Andrea Ceccolini, co-CEO of Real Ice told New Scientist. The company collaborated with the Centre for Climate Repair at the University of Cambridge.

The results are promising and the researchers were able to grow 25 cm of natural ice on the underside of the ice.

“The results in May confirm that actually, yes, you do get this additional rate of growth of new sea ice from the underside,” Shaun Fitzgerald, director of the Centre for Climate Repair, told New Scientist.&nbsp;

<h2>Shrinking Arctic ice</h2>

Arctic sea ice this year has shrunk to a minimal extent of 1.65 million square miles, about 750,000 square miles below the 1981 to 2010 end-of-summer average of 2.4 million square miles. This loss is equal to an area larger than the state of Alaska.&nbsp;

The region has been predicted to be completely ice-free in the summers by the 2030s.&nbsp;

Along with shrinking, sea ice is also getting younger, Nathan Kurtz, lab chief of NASA’s Cryospheric Sciences Laboratory at the agency’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, said.&nbsp;

“Today, the overwhelming majority of ice in the Arctic Ocean is thinner, first-year ice, which is less able to survive the warmer months. There is far, far less ice that is three years or older now,” Kurtz said.

Arctic sea ice registered a massive dip this summer and likely melted to its minimum extent for the year on September 11, 2024, according to researchers at NASA and the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC).

Arctic sea ice registered a massive dip this summer and likely melted to its minimum extent for the year on September 11, 2024, according to researchers at NASA and the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC). Ice typically thaws and regrows between seasons in the region, but in the past 46 years, more of it has melted in the summer and less ice has formed in winter, satellite data shows. Last week, scientists from the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) revealed that Thwaites Glacier, also known as "Doomsday Glacier", is inching dangerously close to collapsing. Their data suggested that it could completely vanish by the 23rd century. If this happens, global sea levels can rise by two feet (65cm), sinking several cities, the study says. Amid this, a glimmer of hope has emerged as scientists say they have found a way to rebuild ice under the ocean. As per initial trials, researchers have found that pumping seawater onto snow in the Canadian Arctic can potentially make the ice beneath thicker. The field trials were conducted by UK start-up Real Ice earlier this year which aims to thicken ice sheets in the Arctic that are essential for the survival of polar wildlife and Inuit communities. The experiment involves drilling through the ice to the ocean after which water is pumped onto the snow above. The air pockets in the snow fill up with this water which freezes and gradually turns into ice. Also Read: Antarctica's 'doomsday glacier' might completely vanish by 23rd century “Our objective is to demonstrate that ice thickening can be effective in preserving and restoring Arctic sea ice,” Andrea Ceccolini, co-CEO of Real Ice told New Scientist. The company collaborated with the Centre for Climate Repair at the University of Cambridge. The results are promising and the researchers were able to grow 25 cm of natural ice on the underside of the ice. “The results in May confirm that actually, yes, you do get this additional rate of growth of new sea ice from the underside,” Shaun Fitzgerald, director of the Centre for Climate Repair, told New Scientist. Shrinking Arctic ice Arctic sea ice this year has shrunk to a minimal extent of 1.65 million square miles, about 750,000 square miles below the 1981 to 2010 end-of-summer average of 2.4 million square miles. This loss is equal to an area larger than the state of Alaska. The region has been predicted to be completely ice-free in the summers by the 2030s. Along with shrinking, sea ice is also getting younger, Nathan Kurtz, lab chief of NASA’s Cryospheric Sciences Laboratory at the agency’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, said. “Today, the overwhelming majority of ice in the Arctic Ocean is thinner, first-year ice, which is less able to survive the warmer months. There is far, far less ice that is three years or older now,” Kurtz said.

Scientists figure out a way to refreeze ice in Arctic amid bleak glacial future

The Thwaites Glacier, also known as "Doomsday Glacier", is inching dangerously close to collapsing, triggering a huge rise in sea levels. A new study now hints at the time it is likely to meet its end.&nbsp;

Scientists from the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) undertook a fresh study of the glacier and measured it using underwater robots. Their data suggests that the Thwaites Glacier, roughly 74.5 miles (120km) in size, could cease to exist completely by the 23rd century. Along with it, a major part of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet could also be lost, leading to sea levels rising to alarming levels across the world.&nbsp;

If it does vanish completely, global sea levels can rise by two feet (65cm), sinking huge portions of landmass, the study says.

The widest glacier on the planet is equivalent to Great Britain or Florida. At certain points, it is over 6,500ft (2,000 metres) thick. For context, this is 2.5 times the size of Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building in Dubai.&nbsp;

While it is a known fact that the glacier is in danger of melting away fully, the exact timeline is not clear. Dr Rob Larter, a marine geophysicist at BAS, says, "There is a consensus that Thwaites Glacier retreat will accelerate sometime within the next century."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/antarctica-might-dodge-worst-case-scenario-the-question-is-752252">Antarctica ice sheet might avert dramatic collapse, but it will disappear</a>

However, he points to &nbsp;"additional processes revealed by recent studies" that "could cause retreat to accelerate sooner."

Thwaites has been losing a lot of ice lately. Previous studies suggest that the amount of water flowing from the Thwaites Glacier and other glaciers has more than doubled from the 1990s to the 2010s.&nbsp;

<h2>West Antarctic Ice Sheet collapse</h2>

The latest study indicated that a complete collapse looks imminent by the 23rd century.

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&nbsp;

"It's concerning that the latest computer models predict continuing ice loss that will accelerate through the 22nd century and could lead to a widespread collapse of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet in the 23rd,'" Dr Ted Scambos, US science coordinator of the ITGC and glaciologist at the University of Colorado, said.

Thwaites has been categorised as "exceptionally vulnerable" by researchers because "its ice rests on a bed far below sea level, which slopes downwards towards the heart of West Antarctica."

While the collapse of the Thwaites glacier could lead global sea levels to rise by two feet (65cm), the scenario for the entire West Antarctic Ice Sheet is even more scary. It the latter also vanishes completely, global sea levels will rise by a whopping 10.8ft (3.3 metres).&nbsp;

Researchers are urging for immediate action to tackle greenhouse gas emissions, a leading factor for the melting of Thwaites.

The Thwaites Glacier, also known as "Doomsday Glacier", is inching dangerously close to collapsing, triggering a huge rise in sea levels. A new study now hints at the time it is likely to meet its end.

The Thwaites Glacier, also known as "Doomsday Glacier", is inching dangerously close to collapsing, triggering a huge rise in sea levels. A new study now hints at the time it is likely to meet its end. Scientists from the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) undertook a fresh study of the glacier and measured it using underwater robots. Their data suggests that the Thwaites Glacier, roughly 74.5 miles (120km) in size, could cease to exist completely by the 23rd century. Along with it, a major part of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet could also be lost, leading to sea levels rising to alarming levels across the world. If it does vanish completely, global sea levels can rise by two feet (65cm), sinking huge portions of landmass, the study says. The widest glacier on the planet is equivalent to Great Britain or Florida. At certain points, it is over 6,500ft (2,000 metres) thick. For context, this is 2.5 times the size of Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building in Dubai. While it is a known fact that the glacier is in danger of melting away fully, the exact timeline is not clear. Dr Rob Larter, a marine geophysicist at BAS, says, "There is a consensus that Thwaites Glacier retreat will accelerate sometime within the next century." Also Read: Antarctica ice sheet might avert dramatic collapse, but it will disappear However, he points to "additional processes revealed by recent studies" that "could cause retreat to accelerate sooner." Thwaites has been losing a lot of ice lately. Previous studies suggest that the amount of water flowing from the Thwaites Glacier and other glaciers has more than doubled from the 1990s to the 2010s. West Antarctic Ice Sheet collapse The latest study indicated that a complete collapse looks imminent by the 23rd century. × "It's concerning that the latest computer models predict continuing ice loss that will accelerate through the 22nd century and could lead to a widespread collapse of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet in the 23rd,'" Dr Ted Scambos, US science coordinator of the ITGC and glaciologist at the University of Colorado, said. Thwaites has been categorised as "exceptionally vulnerable" by researchers because "its ice rests on a bed far below sea level, which slopes downwards towards the heart of West Antarctica." While the collapse of the Thwaites glacier could lead global sea levels to rise by two feet (65cm), the scenario for the entire West Antarctic Ice Sheet is even more scary. It the latter also vanishes completely, global sea levels will rise by a whopping 10.8ft (3.3 metres). Researchers are urging for immediate action to tackle greenhouse gas emissions, a leading factor for the melting of Thwaites.

Antarctica's 'doomsday glacier' might completely vanish by 23rd century

Scientists were shocked when they discovered that pollution had created a hole in the protective ozone layer of Earth in the 1980s.

After nearly 40 years, scientists from the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) noticed that this hole had reduced in size which hinted at the possibility of its recovery.&nbsp;

In the latest atmospheric observations, it was revealed that it took a significant time for the ozone hole to be formed over the South Pole and it was smaller than expected this year.

The ozone layer is a thin layer of ozone gas in the atmosphere which is made of three oxygen atoms and is able to absorb all harmful UV radiation of the Sun.&nbsp;

The British Antarctic Survey carried out research in 1985 and found that there is a huge hole in the ozone layer over the South Pole.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/will-pacific-ocean-be-filled-with-iron-by-2026-heres-what-scientists-are-planning-759332">Will Pacific Ocean be filled with iron by 2026? Here's what scientists are planning</a>

When spring comes in the Southern Hemisphere, the hole opens up again and UV radiation pours down towards the Antarctic continent.&nbsp;

This results in too much radiation in Antarctica because of which Antarctic wildlife such as seals and penguins remain at a huge risk of getting sunburnt.&nbsp;

<h2>Can the ozone layer's hole completely heal?</h2>

Generally, the hole remains well established in mid-to-late August and closes by the end of November.&nbsp;

As per the new data, the formation of the ozone hole has been very slow in comparison to previous years.

The ozone hole did not start getting formed till September and remained very small throughout the period.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/global-superbug-crisis-40-million-lives-at-risk-over-next-25-years-warns-study-759317">Global superbug crisis: 40 million lives at risk over next 25 years, warns study</a>

CAMS has predicted that for the rest of the year, the ozone hole will start shrinking faster and is likely to have completely closed by December.

"From volcanoes to climate change, there are a myriad of factors that play a role, directly or indirectly, in the formation of the Antarctic ozone hole. Nonetheless, none of them are as impactful as the anthropogenic ozone-depleting substances," said Laurence Rouil, director of CAMS.

"Just as a period of colder weather than usual doesn’t reveal long-term trends of climate, a slow start of an ozone hole can’t automatically be attributed to a recovery of the ozone layer," stated CAMS in a blog post.

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists were shocked when they discovered that pollution had created a hole in the protective ozone layer of Earth in the 1980s. After nearly 40 years, scientists from the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) noticed that this hole had reduced in size which hinted at the possibility of its recovery.

Scientists were shocked when they discovered that pollution had created a hole in the protective ozone layer of Earth in the 1980s. After nearly 40 years, scientists from the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) noticed that this hole had reduced in size which hinted at the possibility of its recovery. In the latest atmospheric observations, it was revealed that it took a significant time for the ozone hole to be formed over the South Pole and it was smaller than expected this year. The ozone layer is a thin layer of ozone gas in the atmosphere which is made of three oxygen atoms and is able to absorb all harmful UV radiation of the Sun. The British Antarctic Survey carried out research in 1985 and found that there is a huge hole in the ozone layer over the South Pole. Also Read: Will Pacific Ocean be filled with iron by 2026? Here's what scientists are planning When spring comes in the Southern Hemisphere, the hole opens up again and UV radiation pours down towards the Antarctic continent. This results in too much radiation in Antarctica because of which Antarctic wildlife such as seals and penguins remain at a huge risk of getting sunburnt. Can the ozone layer's hole completely heal? Generally, the hole remains well established in mid-to-late August and closes by the end of November. As per the new data, the formation of the ozone hole has been very slow in comparison to previous years. The ozone hole did not start getting formed till September and remained very small throughout the period. Also Read: Global superbug crisis: 40 million lives at risk over next 25 years, warns study CAMS has predicted that for the rest of the year, the ozone hole will start shrinking faster and is likely to have completely closed by December. "From volcanoes to climate change, there are a myriad of factors that play a role, directly or indirectly, in the formation of the Antarctic ozone hole. Nonetheless, none of them are as impactful as the anthropogenic ozone-depleting substances," said Laurence Rouil, director of CAMS. "Just as a period of colder weather than usual doesn’t reveal long-term trends of climate, a slow start of an ozone hole can’t automatically be attributed to a recovery of the ozone layer," stated CAMS in a blog post. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists spot reduction in size of a hole in ozone layer above Antarctica

The record-breaking warming in the Antarctic stratosphere in the month of July disrupted the polar vortex and affected global weather patterns.&nbsp;

This event was a little different from the frequent warmings of the Arctic and is likely to have impacted the weather phenomena and ozone levels in the Southern Hemisphere.

The warming started in the stratosphere, nearly 30 kilometres above the continent’s icy surface, in July 2024.

In the month of July, the temperatures in the stratosphere above Antarctica remain around minus 80 degrees&nbsp;Celsius&nbsp;(minus 112 degrees&nbsp;Fahrenheit).&nbsp;

The scientists recorded 15°C temperature in the middle of the stratosphere on July 7, which set the record of the warmest July temperatures seen in the stratosphere in the Antarctic region.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/continental-crash-35-million-years-ago-likely-created-an-invisible-barrier-on-earth-756056">Continental crash 35 million years ago likely created an invisible barrier on Earth</a>

On July 22, the temperature decreased only to rise to 17°C (31°F) on August 5.

<h2>Here's how stratospheric warming impacted the polar vortex</h2>

NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Centre's atmospheric scientists, Lawrence Coy and Paul Newman, were surprised to find this sudden stratospheric warming.

Coy and Newman worked on data assimilation and looked into the models&nbsp;of Earth’s atmosphere created for NASA’s Global Modeling and Assimilation Office (GMAO).&nbsp;

“The July event was the earliest stratospheric warming ever observed in GMAO’s entire 44-year record,” said Coy.

The scientists said that the westerly winds, which were present in this layer of the atmosphere, loop across the South Pole in winter and form what is called as the&nbsp;polar vortex.&nbsp;

However, this symmetric circumpolar flow was disrupted, which led to a weakening of the winds and the flow to alter its shape.

The polar vortex, instead of circulating the South Pole, turned elongated and the winds weakened, which caused considerable stratospheric warming over Antarctica.

Watch:&nbsp;Iceberg remains north of South Orkney islands

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The researchers have been investigating what was the origin of disturbances which led to the disruption of the stratosphere.&nbsp;

“Variations in sea surface temperatures and sea ice can perturb these large-scale weather systems in the troposphere that propagate upwards,” said Newman. “But the attribution of why these systems develop is really difficult to do," he added.

Scientists observed that the sudden warming events in the stratosphere were connected to higher concentrations of ozone over Antarctica.&nbsp;

They observed that the change of circulation led to stratospheric warming events in which ozone is drawn from other latitudes toward the polar region.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The record-breaking warming in the Antarctic stratosphere in the month of July disrupted the polar vortex and affected global weather patterns. This event was a little different from the frequent warmings of the Arctic and is likely to have impacted the weather phenomena and ozone levels in the Southern Hemisphere.

The record-breaking warming in the Antarctic stratosphere in the month of July disrupted the polar vortex and affected global weather patterns. This event was a little different from the frequent warmings of the Arctic and is likely to have impacted the weather phenomena and ozone levels in the Southern Hemisphere. The warming started in the stratosphere, nearly 30 kilometres above the continent’s icy surface, in July 2024. In the month of July, the temperatures in the stratosphere above Antarctica remain around minus 80 degrees Celsius (minus 112 degrees Fahrenheit). The scientists recorded 15°C temperature in the middle of the stratosphere on July 7, which set the record of the warmest July temperatures seen in the stratosphere in the Antarctic region. Also Read: Continental crash 35 million years ago likely created an invisible barrier on Earth On July 22, the temperature decreased only to rise to 17°C (31°F) on August 5. Here's how stratospheric warming impacted the polar vortex NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Centre's atmospheric scientists, Lawrence Coy and Paul Newman, were surprised to find this sudden stratospheric warming. Coy and Newman worked on data assimilation and looked into the models of Earth’s atmosphere created for NASA’s Global Modeling and Assimilation Office (GMAO). “The July event was the earliest stratospheric warming ever observed in GMAO’s entire 44-year record,” said Coy. The scientists said that the westerly winds, which were present in this layer of the atmosphere, loop across the South Pole in winter and form what is called as the polar vortex. However, this symmetric circumpolar flow was disrupted, which led to a weakening of the winds and the flow to alter its shape. The polar vortex, instead of circulating the South Pole, turned elongated and the winds weakened, which caused considerable stratospheric warming over Antarctica. Watch: Iceberg remains north of South Orkney islands The researchers have been investigating what was the origin of disturbances which led to the disruption of the stratosphere. “Variations in sea surface temperatures and sea ice can perturb these large-scale weather systems in the troposphere that propagate upwards,” said Newman. “But the attribution of why these systems develop is really difficult to do," he added. Scientists observed that the sudden warming events in the stratosphere were connected to higher concentrations of ozone over Antarctica. They observed that the change of circulation led to stratospheric warming events in which ozone is drawn from other latitudes toward the polar region. (With inputs from agencies)

The polar vortex over Antarctica has elongated. NASA scientists explain why

Antarctica waters are home to several marine species, some of which are still unknown to humans. One such species has now been discovered by researchers from the William &amp; Mary’s Virginia Institute of Marine Science.&nbsp;

They have found a new species of Antarctic dragonfish in the peninsula, a new study published in the journal Zootaxa says. The dragonfish is called the Banded Dragonfish or Akarotaxis gouldae. It has been named after an Antarctic research and supply vessel called the Laurence M&nbsp;Gould. The vessel and its crew have made several scientific contributions and it recently went out of service.&nbsp;

The dragonfish has certain distinctive physical features, such as two dark vertical bands of colour on its body. It has a slender body, a wide snout, an elongated mouth and large oval-shaped eyes.

According to the study, the fish was discovered accidentally while researchers were sweeping the region for zooplankton. They found the larvae of the fish and took them to study them.

Initially, it was thought to be a different species of dragonfish, Akarotaxis nudiceps. However, as the fish grew, lead researcher Andrew Corso and his colleagues noticed something exciting.

<h2>What did they find?</h2>

The adult Akarotaxis gouldae had two distinct bands on the sides which are not present on Akarotaxis nudiceps. They were shocked to see that a species of fish had been living in the Antarctic waters but went by unnoticed.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/rare-sea-animals-known-for-hour-long-dives-spotted-in-antarctica-waters-754753">Rare sea animals known for hour-long dives spotted in Antarctica waters</a>

“There are two distinct bands on the sides of adult Akarotaxis gouldae that are not present on Akarotaxis nudiceps, so we were surprised that the species already existed in collections but had been previously overlooked,” Corso said.

Using a process called phylogeny and genetic testing, Corso and his co-author Thomas Desvigne found that the Banded Dragonfish had deviated from a separate species approximately 780,000 years ago.

“We hypothesise that a population of dragonfish may have become isolated within deep trenches under glaciers, surviving on food pushed in by the moving ice. Once the glaciers retreated, this subpopulation had become distinct enough to be reproductively incompatible with Akarotaxis nudiceps,” Corso said.&nbsp;

Desvigne is a researcher from the Institute of Neuroscience at the University of&nbsp;Oregon.

The researchers say that since Antarctic dragonfish live in deep waters, they haven't been studied much. Akarotaxis gouldae also seem to be limited to the water around the western Antarctic Peninsula, as per the study.

Antarctica waters are home to several marine species, some of which are still unknown to humans. One such species has now been discovered by researchers from the William & Mary’s Virginia Institute of Marine Science.

Antarctica waters are home to several marine species, some of which are still unknown to humans. One such species has now been discovered by researchers from the William & Mary’s Virginia Institute of Marine Science. They have found a new species of Antarctic dragonfish in the peninsula, a new study published in the journal Zootaxa says. The dragonfish is called the Banded Dragonfish or Akarotaxis gouldae. It has been named after an Antarctic research and supply vessel called the Laurence M Gould. The vessel and its crew have made several scientific contributions and it recently went out of service. The dragonfish has certain distinctive physical features, such as two dark vertical bands of colour on its body. It has a slender body, a wide snout, an elongated mouth and large oval-shaped eyes. According to the study, the fish was discovered accidentally while researchers were sweeping the region for zooplankton. They found the larvae of the fish and took them to study them. Initially, it was thought to be a different species of dragonfish, Akarotaxis nudiceps. However, as the fish grew, lead researcher Andrew Corso and his colleagues noticed something exciting. What did they find? The adult Akarotaxis gouldae had two distinct bands on the sides which are not present on Akarotaxis nudiceps. They were shocked to see that a species of fish had been living in the Antarctic waters but went by unnoticed. Also Read: Rare sea animals known for hour-long dives spotted in Antarctica waters “There are two distinct bands on the sides of adult Akarotaxis gouldae that are not present on Akarotaxis nudiceps, so we were surprised that the species already existed in collections but had been previously overlooked,” Corso said. Using a process called phylogeny and genetic testing, Corso and his co-author Thomas Desvigne found that the Banded Dragonfish had deviated from a separate species approximately 780,000 years ago. “We hypothesise that a population of dragonfish may have become isolated within deep trenches under glaciers, surviving on food pushed in by the moving ice. Once the glaciers retreated, this subpopulation had become distinct enough to be reproductively incompatible with Akarotaxis nudiceps,” Corso said. Desvigne is a researcher from the Institute of Neuroscience at the University of Oregon. The researchers say that since Antarctic dragonfish live in deep waters, they haven't been studied much. Akarotaxis gouldae also seem to be limited to the water around the western Antarctic Peninsula, as per the study.

Sea creatures that deviated from a species 780,000 years ago found in Antarctica

A team of researchers has stumbled upon a rare species of sea creatures off the coast of Antarctica. They found several whales that had not been spotted by them for decades. They are the Arnoux’s beaked whales that are extremely hard to find.&nbsp;

While conducting a survey in the waters of Antarctica, the researchers caught them taking a slow swim, the Miami Herald reported. No detailed studies have ever been done on Arnoux’s beaked whales since they are barely seen. According to a study published in the journal Marine Mammal Science, these whales inhabit the waters off Antarctica throughout the year.

The species of whale is known for its brilliant diving abilities and can measure up to around 30 feet long. They have dark bodies and resemble dolphins in appearance. The researchers spotted the whales while surveying the Weddell Sea in 2022. They were looking for the top predators in the area when they noticed the whales swirling in the waters.&nbsp;

They photographed three groups of animals swimming near sea ice from the helicopter. “In all three groups, the animals were quietly logging or slowly swimming in parallel position at or just below the surface, sometimes diving under ice,” researchers affiliated with Dutch, German and Australian research institutions said.&nbsp;

<h2>Why are Arnoux’s beaked whales rare</h2>

Notably, in the 11 expeditions conducted in the area between 1988 and 2018, scientists had never spotted the whales.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nearly-1700-ancient-viruses-spanning-41000-years-found-in-himalayas-754596">Nearly 1,700 ancient viruses spanning 41,000 years found in Himalayas</a>

However, several non-official and unpublished observations of the whales have been made in the area over the years. But no one knew for sure if they existed and if the sightings were true.&nbsp;

They likely missed detection on account of their lengthy dives as the whales are known to go in sometimes for over an hour.&nbsp;

“The chances of being detected from moving platforms like ships and especially airplanes or helicopters are affected by the exceptional dive capacities of Arnoux’s beaked whales,” researchers said.&nbsp;

However, the recent discovery shows that the Arnoux’s beaked whales reside in the waters of Antarctica and might be present in larger numbers than previously thought. The study hints at their existence in shallow, icy areas. 
&nbsp;

A team of researchers has stumbled upon a rare species of sea creatures off the coast of Antarctica. They found several whales that had not been spotted by them for decades.

A team of researchers has stumbled upon a rare species of sea creatures off the coast of Antarctica. They found several whales that had not been spotted by them for decades. They are the Arnoux’s beaked whales that are extremely hard to find. While conducting a survey in the waters of Antarctica, the researchers caught them taking a slow swim, the Miami Herald reported. No detailed studies have ever been done on Arnoux’s beaked whales since they are barely seen. According to a study published in the journal Marine Mammal Science, these whales inhabit the waters off Antarctica throughout the year. The species of whale is known for its brilliant diving abilities and can measure up to around 30 feet long. They have dark bodies and resemble dolphins in appearance. The researchers spotted the whales while surveying the Weddell Sea in 2022. They were looking for the top predators in the area when they noticed the whales swirling in the waters. They photographed three groups of animals swimming near sea ice from the helicopter. “In all three groups, the animals were quietly logging or slowly swimming in parallel position at or just below the surface, sometimes diving under ice,” researchers affiliated with Dutch, German and Australian research institutions said. Why are Arnoux’s beaked whales rare Notably, in the 11 expeditions conducted in the area between 1988 and 2018, scientists had never spotted the whales. Also Read: Nearly 1,700 ancient viruses spanning 41,000 years found in Himalayas However, several non-official and unpublished observations of the whales have been made in the area over the years. But no one knew for sure if they existed and if the sightings were true. They likely missed detection on account of their lengthy dives as the whales are known to go in sometimes for over an hour. “The chances of being detected from moving platforms like ships and especially airplanes or helicopters are affected by the exceptional dive capacities of Arnoux’s beaked whales,” researchers said. However, the recent discovery shows that the Arnoux’s beaked whales reside in the waters of Antarctica and might be present in larger numbers than previously thought. The study hints at their existence in shallow, icy areas.

Rare sea animals known for hour-long dives spotted in Antarctica waters

A disastrous scenario involving Antarctica's gigantic ice sheet is recounted every time there is talk of climate change. This sheet is likely to break apart in the future which will prove catastrophic to the world’s coasts. Scientists describe the event as one where after the floating edges of these ice sheets melt away, all that would be left are huge cliffs of ice.&nbsp;

These tall and steep cliffs would be left unstable and slowly, massive chunks of ice will start breaking away. This cycle will continue until everything breaks apart and falls into the ocean. Combined with high levels of emissions of heat-trapping gases, the event in Antarctica will add more than a foot to sea levels across the world by the end of the century.&nbsp;

United Nations’ latest assessment of sea-level increase includes this possible scenario as a “low-likelihood, high-impact” possibility. However, the chain of events is still only a theory.

Now, a group of scientists says that this occurrence might not happen as envisioned and the likelihood of it happening in the above-described manner is remote. This does not mean that Antarctica's ice will not be affected by the increasing temperature of our planet. However, according to new evidence, the ice cliffs might not collapse one after another.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/humpback-whales-are-expert-tool-makers-blow-and-alter-bubble-nets-to-752189">Humpback whales are expert tool makers; blow and alter bubble nets to...</a>

“The Antarctic ice sheet is going to disappear; this is going to happen. The question is how fast," Mathieu Morlighem, a professor of earth science at Dartmouth College and research leader, said.&nbsp;

<h2>What will happen to the Antarctic ice sheet?</h2>

Dr. Morlighem says how ice breaks apart under stress is still unclear. So the world may or may not have a lot of time to act against it and take steps to stay safe. In any case, the disintegration of this ice will have a huge impact on our civilisation and the environment.&nbsp;

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Thwaites Glacier formed the focus of the study. It is the size of Florida and among the fastest receding and unstable in Antarctica. They ran simulations on two “worst-case scenarios” for Thwaites. In the first, they tested what would happen if the glacier’s floating edge completely disappeared today.

Then they tested the aftermath if the shelf vanished in 2065. In the latter case, the glacier would expose ice cliffs higher than the ones currently near the water’s edge.

They found that once the ice shelf goes away, the rest of the ice also starts melting away and flowing more quickly into the sea. The cliffs do not get a chance to become taller and so no runaway breakdown happens.&nbsp;

A disastrous scenario involving Antarctica's gigantic ice sheet is recounted every time there is talk of climate change. This sheet is likely to break apart in the future which will prove catastrophic to the world’s coasts.

A disastrous scenario involving Antarctica's gigantic ice sheet is recounted every time there is talk of climate change. This sheet is likely to break apart in the future which will prove catastrophic to the world’s coasts. Scientists describe the event as one where after the floating edges of these ice sheets melt away, all that would be left are huge cliffs of ice. These tall and steep cliffs would be left unstable and slowly, massive chunks of ice will start breaking away. This cycle will continue until everything breaks apart and falls into the ocean. Combined with high levels of emissions of heat-trapping gases, the event in Antarctica will add more than a foot to sea levels across the world by the end of the century. United Nations’ latest assessment of sea-level increase includes this possible scenario as a “low-likelihood, high-impact” possibility. However, the chain of events is still only a theory. Now, a group of scientists says that this occurrence might not happen as envisioned and the likelihood of it happening in the above-described manner is remote. This does not mean that Antarctica's ice will not be affected by the increasing temperature of our planet. However, according to new evidence, the ice cliffs might not collapse one after another. Also Read: Humpback whales are expert tool makers; blow and alter bubble nets to... “The Antarctic ice sheet is going to disappear; this is going to happen. The question is how fast," Mathieu Morlighem, a professor of earth science at Dartmouth College and research leader, said. What will happen to the Antarctic ice sheet? Dr. Morlighem says how ice breaks apart under stress is still unclear. So the world may or may not have a lot of time to act against it and take steps to stay safe. In any case, the disintegration of this ice will have a huge impact on our civilisation and the environment. × Thwaites Glacier formed the focus of the study. It is the size of Florida and among the fastest receding and unstable in Antarctica. They ran simulations on two “worst-case scenarios” for Thwaites. In the first, they tested what would happen if the glacier’s floating edge completely disappeared today. Then they tested the aftermath if the shelf vanished in 2065. In the latter case, the glacier would expose ice cliffs higher than the ones currently near the water’s edge. They found that once the ice shelf goes away, the rest of the ice also starts melting away and flowing more quickly into the sea. The cliffs do not get a chance to become taller and so no runaway breakdown happens.

Antarctica ice sheet might avert dramatic collapse, but it will disappear

In stunning research, scientists have observed that Antarctica has been losing weight and the continent is rising from the ocean.

The process is known as post-glacial uplift and as per the new research, this will massively impact the global sea level rise in the future.

This can reduce the contribution of Antarctica by up to 40 per cent or can make things worse depending on how much heat-trapping and ice-melting fossil fuels we are losing.

"With nearly 700 million people living in coastal areas and the potential cost of sea-level rise reaching trillions of dollars by the end of the century, understanding the domino effect of Antarctic ice melt is crucial,"&nbsp;said McGill University glaciologist Natalya Gomez, who carried out the study.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/antarctica-is-turning-green-heres-what-first-continent-wide-map-tells-about-plant-life-750130">Antarctica is turning green! Here's what first continent-wide map tells about plant life</a>

In the last few years, the ice in Antarctica has been very low. Gomez, along with their colleagues, examined the mantle of the Earth beneath the ice sheet of Antarctica and discovered that it was squishy in some areas. 
&nbsp; 
According to the seismic data, this high level of viscosity is leading to an unexpected rise in the land.

"Our measurements show that the solid earth that forms the base of the Antarctic ice sheet is changing shape surprisingly quickly,"&nbsp;Ohio State University geologist Terry Wilson said.

"The land uplift from reduced ice on the surface is happening in decades, rather than over thousands of years," he added.

<h2>Scientists use 3D models to simulate sea level rise</h2>

The team used 3D modelling to understand how the sea level is rising because of the changing landmass in Antarctica.

"This study marks a breakthrough in our ability to better predict the impacts of&nbsp;climate change&nbsp;on rising seas and to inform effective environmental policy,"&nbsp;University of Massachusetts glaciologist Rob DeConto said.&nbsp;

Since Earth does not have a smooth sphere, unique sea-level impacts will be seen in different parts of our planet because of gravitational, rotational, and geological quirks.

Watch:&nbsp;Antarctic faces melting 'tipping point' as oceans warm: Study

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"Our results further support&nbsp;recent&nbsp;findings&nbsp;that low-latitude islands and coastal sites already being affected by sea level rise will experience higher than average sea level rise associated with Antarctic ice loss, regardless of the ice loss scenario," explained Gomez and team.

"This finding highlights the&nbsp;climate injustice&nbsp;toward nations whose emissions are low, while their exposure and vulnerability to sea level rise is high," they added.

According to researchers, there is a lot of uncertainty in the model, because of the lack of seismic data from West Antarctica.&nbsp;

"To document how fast our world is changing, it's very important to continue advancing our ability to make predictions that are more certain, which is the only path that will allow us to tend to our future in a meaningful way,"&nbsp;Wilson said.

(With inputs from agencies)

In stunning research, scientists have observed that Antarctica has been losing weight and the continent is rising from the ocean. The process is known as post-glacial uplift and as per the new research, this will massively impact the global sea level rise in the future.

In stunning research, scientists have observed that Antarctica has been losing weight and the continent is rising from the ocean. The process is known as post-glacial uplift and as per the new research, this will massively impact the global sea level rise in the future. This can reduce the contribution of Antarctica by up to 40 per cent or can make things worse depending on how much heat-trapping and ice-melting fossil fuels we are losing. "With nearly 700 million people living in coastal areas and the potential cost of sea-level rise reaching trillions of dollars by the end of the century, understanding the domino effect of Antarctic ice melt is crucial," said McGill University glaciologist Natalya Gomez, who carried out the study. Also Read: Antarctica is turning green! Here's what first continent-wide map tells about plant life In the last few years, the ice in Antarctica has been very low. Gomez, along with their colleagues, examined the mantle of the Earth beneath the ice sheet of Antarctica and discovered that it was squishy in some areas. According to the seismic data, this high level of viscosity is leading to an unexpected rise in the land. "Our measurements show that the solid earth that forms the base of the Antarctic ice sheet is changing shape surprisingly quickly," Ohio State University geologist Terry Wilson said. "The land uplift from reduced ice on the surface is happening in decades, rather than over thousands of years," he added. Scientists use 3D models to simulate sea level rise The team used 3D modelling to understand how the sea level is rising because of the changing landmass in Antarctica. "This study marks a breakthrough in our ability to better predict the impacts of climate change on rising seas and to inform effective environmental policy," University of Massachusetts glaciologist Rob DeConto said. Since Earth does not have a smooth sphere, unique sea-level impacts will be seen in different parts of our planet because of gravitational, rotational, and geological quirks. Watch: Antarctic faces melting 'tipping point' as oceans warm: Study "Our results further support recent findings that low-latitude islands and coastal sites already being affected by sea level rise will experience higher than average sea level rise associated with Antarctic ice loss, regardless of the ice loss scenario," explained Gomez and team. "This finding highlights the climate injustice toward nations whose emissions are low, while their exposure and vulnerability to sea level rise is high," they added. According to researchers, there is a lot of uncertainty in the model, because of the lack of seismic data from West Antarctica. "To document how fast our world is changing, it's very important to continue advancing our ability to make predictions that are more certain, which is the only path that will allow us to tend to our future in a meaningful way," Wilson said. (With inputs from agencies)

Antarctica is rising from ocean and losing weight. Here's how it will impact Earth

The researchers for the first time have created a continent-wide map of Antarctica for studying the rampant changes in its ecosystem and spreading plant life.

Antarctica has always been expected to be all white with huge icebergs, however, what is shocking is the greens emerging from the mini pockets of the&nbsp;ice-covered land.

Amid warming temperatures and climate change, the ice-covered continent is undergoing a major transformation and is likely to now witness the growth of more vegetation.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/antarctic-temperatures-rise-10c-above-average-experts-are-calling-it-a-near-record-heatwave-746539">Antarctic temperatures rise 10C above average, experts are calling it a near-record heatwave</a>

The search for green patches in Antarctica was carried out by an international team of scientists, headed by the University of Edinburgh with the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), the Scottish Association for Marine Science and the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, with the help of the satellite data from the European Space Agency (ESA).

<h2>Here's what the scientists found in Antarctica</h2>

In the study, the scientists detected nearly 45 square kilometres (17.3 square miles) of vegetation and nearly 80 per cent of them were located in the Antarctic Peninsula and neighbouring islands. The green space in Antarctica is only just 0.12 per cent.

“Our continent-scale map provides key information on vegetation presence in areas that are rarely visited by people. This will have profound implications for our understanding of where vegetation is located across the continent, and what factors influence this distribution,” said Charlotte Walshaw, who is a PhD researcher from the University of Edinburgh, in a&nbsp;statement.

The plant life is not able to spread easily in Antarctica's harsh wilderness. But the shifting landscapes and warming temperatures are now making it easier for plant life to spread across the continent.

Only two vascular plants are the continent's native which are Antarctic hair grass and Antarctic pearlwort.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Antarctic faces melting 'tipping point' as oceans warm: Study

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In the past, these plants were rare in the ice-dominated continent, but they have now turned common&nbsp;in the last couple of years because of rising temperatures.

Notably,&nbsp;more than 100 plant species invaded Antarctica recently, including common lawn grass, which has spread rapidly across sub-Antarctic Islands and is now moving towards the Antarctic Peninsula.

“Getting an accurate map of the photosynthetic life of the continent gives us a baseline for assessing future change. As the continent warms and ice melts, we expect that areas of rock outcrop will expand, and vegetation will colonize more ground. This new map enables us to monitor these consequences of climate change,” said Peter Fretwell, who is the co-author of the paper and remote sensing expert at BAS.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The researchers for the first time have created a continent-wide map of Antarctica for studying the rampant changes in its ecosystem and spreading plant life. Antarctica has always been expected to be all white with huge icebergs, however, what is shocking is the greens emerging from the mini pockets of the ice-covered land.

The researchers for the first time have created a continent-wide map of Antarctica for studying the rampant changes in its ecosystem and spreading plant life. Antarctica has always been expected to be all white with huge icebergs, however, what is shocking is the greens emerging from the mini pockets of the ice-covered land. Amid warming temperatures and climate change, the ice-covered continent is undergoing a major transformation and is likely to now witness the growth of more vegetation. Also Read: Antarctic temperatures rise 10C above average, experts are calling it a near-record heatwave The search for green patches in Antarctica was carried out by an international team of scientists, headed by the University of Edinburgh with the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), the Scottish Association for Marine Science and the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, with the help of the satellite data from the European Space Agency (ESA). Here's what the scientists found in Antarctica In the study, the scientists detected nearly 45 square kilometres (17.3 square miles) of vegetation and nearly 80 per cent of them were located in the Antarctic Peninsula and neighbouring islands. The green space in Antarctica is only just 0.12 per cent. “Our continent-scale map provides key information on vegetation presence in areas that are rarely visited by people. This will have profound implications for our understanding of where vegetation is located across the continent, and what factors influence this distribution,” said Charlotte Walshaw, who is a PhD researcher from the University of Edinburgh, in a statement. The plant life is not able to spread easily in Antarctica's harsh wilderness. But the shifting landscapes and warming temperatures are now making it easier for plant life to spread across the continent. Only two vascular plants are the continent's native which are Antarctic hair grass and Antarctic pearlwort. Watch: Antarctic faces melting 'tipping point' as oceans warm: Study In the past, these plants were rare in the ice-dominated continent, but they have now turned common in the last couple of years because of rising temperatures. Notably, more than 100 plant species invaded Antarctica recently, including common lawn grass, which has spread rapidly across sub-Antarctic Islands and is now moving towards the Antarctic Peninsula. “Getting an accurate map of the photosynthetic life of the continent gives us a baseline for assessing future change. As the continent warms and ice melts, we expect that areas of rock outcrop will expand, and vegetation will colonize more ground. This new map enables us to monitor these consequences of climate change,” said Peter Fretwell, who is the co-author of the paper and remote sensing expert at BAS. (With inputs from agencies)

Antarctica is turning green! Here's what first continent-wide map tells about plant life

Scientists have warned that a rare phenomenon witnessed in Antarctica might become common in the coming years because of climate change. A NASA photo shows eerie streaks of ice stretching across a narrow ocean channel in the continent. A combination of high winds and unusual ocean currents triggered the ice formation, LiveScience reported.&nbsp;

These ice streaks spanned an area of six kilometres in the channel of seawater between a massive, white ice sheet attached to Antarctica's mainland, known as the Ronne Ice Shelf, and a patch of fragmenting sea ice that is grey in colour towards the edges. Ronne Ice Shelf is and is known to give birth to some of the world's biggest icebergs.&nbsp;

According to the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC), these ice streaks are made up of nilas, a type of super-thin ice that is less than four inches (10 centimetres) thick.&nbsp;

Nilas is formed when loose ice crystals merge into fragile sheets across a still surface. But in this case, NASA's Earth Observatory says that unusual whirlpool currents were created by high winds on the ocean's surface, stopping the sheet ice from forming. The nilas ice gathered at the currents' centres and was blown across the water.&nbsp;

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<h2>Nilas ice&nbsp;</h2>

The sea ice was blown so far off that it had a lot of space to stretch out.&nbsp;

The nilas ice after accumulating along the edge of sea ice appears pale blue in the photo. However, experts say this is unusual for nilas ice to be blue and only glaciers and sea ice appear blue because of being extremely dense.&nbsp;

These ice sheets will become common in the future because of the warming climate. This photo was taken in November 2021 and at the time the&nbsp;area of the ocean around Antarctica covered by sea ice&nbsp;was much below the average that us usually recorded at that time of the year, according to NASA's Earth Observatory.&nbsp;

Winds can easily move around thinner and more fragile sea ice, and so as the climate continues to warm, these icy streaks will make more appearances in the future.&nbsp;

Scientists have warned that a rare phenomenon witnessed in Antarctica might become common in the coming years because of climate change. A NASA photo shows eerie streaks of ice stretching across a narrow ocean channel in the continent.

Scientists have warned that a rare phenomenon witnessed in Antarctica might become common in the coming years because of climate change. A NASA photo shows eerie streaks of ice stretching across a narrow ocean channel in the continent. A combination of high winds and unusual ocean currents triggered the ice formation, LiveScience reported. These ice streaks spanned an area of six kilometres in the channel of seawater between a massive, white ice sheet attached to Antarctica's mainland, known as the Ronne Ice Shelf, and a patch of fragmenting sea ice that is grey in colour towards the edges. Ronne Ice Shelf is and is known to give birth to some of the world's biggest icebergs. According to the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC), these ice streaks are made up of nilas, a type of super-thin ice that is less than four inches (10 centimetres) thick. Nilas is formed when loose ice crystals merge into fragile sheets across a still surface. But in this case, NASA's Earth Observatory says that unusual whirlpool currents were created by high winds on the ocean's surface, stopping the sheet ice from forming. The nilas ice gathered at the currents' centres and was blown across the water. Also Read: Volcanic eruption in 536 spewed so much ash that it went dark for 18 months Nilas ice The sea ice was blown so far off that it had a lot of space to stretch out. The nilas ice after accumulating along the edge of sea ice appears pale blue in the photo. However, experts say this is unusual for nilas ice to be blue and only glaciers and sea ice appear blue because of being extremely dense. These ice sheets will become common in the future because of the warming climate. This photo was taken in November 2021 and at the time the area of the ocean around Antarctica covered by sea ice was much below the average that us usually recorded at that time of the year, according to NASA's Earth Observatory. Winds can easily move around thinner and more fragile sea ice, and so as the climate continues to warm, these icy streaks will make more appearances in the future.

Wispy streaks of ice spotted in Antarctica are a warning sign

The polar vortex of Antarctica is on the verge of splitting in two for the first time in more than two decades because of a sudden increase in stratospheric temperatures.&nbsp;

If the vortex splits into two, it can result in major warming in Antarctica as Australia and South America will witness an unusually hot summer.

The southern polar vortex is a swirl of winds which will move clockwise and trap a cold air current above Antarctica amid the southern hemisphere winter.&nbsp;

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Generally, the vortex remains stable at this time of year and the temperature inside its core remains about -80°C (-112°F).

<h2>Antarctic's polar vortex remains unstable, in future it can...</h2>

However, the latest signs indicate that the vortex has been increasingly unstable this year.

In mid-July, the southern polar vortex's wind speeds slowed from 300 to 230 kilometres per hour which permitted cold air to descend and led to a record increase in stratospheric temperatures.&nbsp;

Inside the vortex, the temperatures remained nearly 20°C (36°F) above the long-term average of around -80°C.

UK Met Office's Steven Keates said that they recorded another slowdown in wind speed in early August which was followed by a rapid increase in stratospheric temperatures.&nbsp;

“We started to see a marked warming in the very highest layers of the stratosphere,” he said.

Because of this, the vortex was pushed out of its place at the South Pole which resulted in cold polar air at the surface flowing towards Australia, New Zealand and South America and warm air moving towards Antarctica which can result in a heatwave in the continent.

Watch:&nbsp;Iceberg remains north of South Orkney islands

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If the speed of the wind is slow, the vortex can lead to a sudden change in direction and swirl anticlockwise in what is called a sudden stratospheric warming.&nbsp;

"Repeated slowdowns in wind speeds could increase the chances of a vortex split and sudden stratospheric warming taking place this year," said Keates.

Simon Lee&nbsp;at the University of St Andrews in the UK said that comparatively small disruptions to the vortex can lead to a cumulative effect.&nbsp;

“Sometimes minor warmings can set the vortex up for something major later on. Because Antarctic vortex variability is small, if something even slightly unusual happens it can very quickly grow to become an extreme event," he said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The polar vortex of Antarctica is on the verge of splitting in two for the first time in more than two decades because of a sudden increase in stratospheric temperatures.

The polar vortex of Antarctica is on the verge of splitting in two for the first time in more than two decades because of a sudden increase in stratospheric temperatures. If the vortex splits into two, it can result in major warming in Antarctica as Australia and South America will witness an unusually hot summer. The southern polar vortex is a swirl of winds which will move clockwise and trap a cold air current above Antarctica amid the southern hemisphere winter. Also Read: Antarctic temperatures rise 10C above average, experts are calling it a near-record heatwave Generally, the vortex remains stable at this time of year and the temperature inside its core remains about -80°C (-112°F). Antarctic's polar vortex remains unstable, in future it can... However, the latest signs indicate that the vortex has been increasingly unstable this year. In mid-July, the southern polar vortex's wind speeds slowed from 300 to 230 kilometres per hour which permitted cold air to descend and led to a record increase in stratospheric temperatures. Inside the vortex, the temperatures remained nearly 20°C (36°F) above the long-term average of around -80°C. UK Met Office's Steven Keates said that they recorded another slowdown in wind speed in early August which was followed by a rapid increase in stratospheric temperatures. “We started to see a marked warming in the very highest layers of the stratosphere,” he said. Because of this, the vortex was pushed out of its place at the South Pole which resulted in cold polar air at the surface flowing towards Australia, New Zealand and South America and warm air moving towards Antarctica which can result in a heatwave in the continent. Watch: Iceberg remains north of South Orkney islands If the speed of the wind is slow, the vortex can lead to a sudden change in direction and swirl anticlockwise in what is called a sudden stratospheric warming. "Repeated slowdowns in wind speeds could increase the chances of a vortex split and sudden stratospheric warming taking place this year," said Keates. Simon Lee at the University of St Andrews in the UK said that comparatively small disruptions to the vortex can lead to a cumulative effect. “Sometimes minor warmings can set the vortex up for something major later on. Because Antarctic vortex variability is small, if something even slightly unusual happens it can very quickly grow to become an extreme event," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Earth's polar vortex in Antarctica is set to tear apart. Here's how it will impact planet

Scientists are stunned to find an iceberg ,which is twice as big as greater London continuously spinning on one spot for the last eight months near Antarctica, when really it should be racing along with earth's most powerful ocean current.

Iceberg remains north of South Orkney islands

Antarctic ice shelves harbour 57 per cent of all meltwater in the form of slush during summers, research has found. Slush is water-soaked snow and, along with pooled meltwater, results in 2.8 times more meltwater formation than standard climate models have predicted, as per the study. This happens because it absorbs more heat than ice or snow.

The research team, led by the University of Cambridge, used artificial intelligence to understand how slush impacted the frozen expanse. As per the report, this "could have profound implications for ice shelf stability and sea level rise." Slush isn't taken into properly by regional climate models, the study authors say, triggering a need for change.&nbsp;

A warming climate leads to the formation of meltwater on&nbsp;ice shelves. As per previous research, surface meltwater lakes can make the ice shelves unstable and even cause them to collapse because the weight of the water can bend or break the ice. When this happens, the sea level is directly impacted and can rise.&nbsp;

"We can use satellite imagery to map meltwater lakes across much of Antarctica, but it's hard to map slush because it looks like other things, such as shadows from clouds when viewed from a satellite," as per lead author Dr Rebecca Dell.

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<h2>The study</h2>

Cambridge researchers worked with researchers from the University of Colorado Boulder and the Delft University of Technology to understand the impact of slush. They used historical data from NASA's Landsat 8 satellite and trained a machine-learning model to gather monthly records of slush and meltwater lakes from 57 Antarctic ice shelves between 2013 and 2021.

They made the alarming discovery that pools and lakes only made up 43 per cent of the meltwater on ice shelves, while the remaining 57 per cent was contained in slushy areas. This can speed up the melt rate considerably.&nbsp;

Dell added, "This slush has never been mapped on a large scale across all of Antarctica's large ice shelves, so over half of all surface meltwater has been ignored until now.

The study adds that slush has the capacity to absorb more heat since it is not as white as snow or ice, causing more snowmelt. Current climate models do not take slush into account, which has likely led to ice sheet melting and ice shelf stability projections to have been underestimated.&nbsp;

Amid climate change, rising sea levels pose a greater risk to coastal regions. The study was published in the journal Nature Geoscience.

Antarctic ice shelves harbour 57 per cent of all meltwater in the form of slush during summers, research has found. Slush is water-soaked snow and, along with pooled meltwater, results in 2.

Antarctic ice shelves harbour 57 per cent of all meltwater in the form of slush during summers, research has found. Slush is water-soaked snow and, along with pooled meltwater, results in 2.8 times more meltwater formation than standard climate models have predicted, as per the study. This happens because it absorbs more heat than ice or snow. The research team, led by the University of Cambridge, used artificial intelligence to understand how slush impacted the frozen expanse. As per the report, this "could have profound implications for ice shelf stability and sea level rise." Slush isn't taken into properly by regional climate models, the study authors say, triggering a need for change. A warming climate leads to the formation of meltwater on ice shelves. As per previous research, surface meltwater lakes can make the ice shelves unstable and even cause them to collapse because the weight of the water can bend or break the ice. When this happens, the sea level is directly impacted and can rise. "We can use satellite imagery to map meltwater lakes across much of Antarctica, but it's hard to map slush because it looks like other things, such as shadows from clouds when viewed from a satellite," as per lead author Dr Rebecca Dell. Also Read: Massive 880ft asteroid to come dangerously close to Earth this week The study Cambridge researchers worked with researchers from the University of Colorado Boulder and the Delft University of Technology to understand the impact of slush. They used historical data from NASA's Landsat 8 satellite and trained a machine-learning model to gather monthly records of slush and meltwater lakes from 57 Antarctic ice shelves between 2013 and 2021. They made the alarming discovery that pools and lakes only made up 43 per cent of the meltwater on ice shelves, while the remaining 57 per cent was contained in slushy areas. This can speed up the melt rate considerably. Dell added, "This slush has never been mapped on a large scale across all of Antarctica's large ice shelves, so over half of all surface meltwater has been ignored until now. The study adds that slush has the capacity to absorb more heat since it is not as white as snow or ice, causing more snowmelt. Current climate models do not take slush into account, which has likely led to ice sheet melting and ice shelf stability projections to have been underestimated. Amid climate change, rising sea levels pose a greater risk to coastal regions. The study was published in the journal Nature Geoscience.

Worrying phenomenon in Antarctica's ice shelves can add to climate woes

A massive iceberg measuring 380 square kilometres broke off the Brunt Ice Shelf in Antarctica last week. A report by the European Space Agency on May 23 said that this was the region's third significant iceberg calving in the past four years.

A massive iceberg measuring 380 square kilometres broke off the Brunt Ice Shelf in Antarctica last week. A report by the European Space Agency on May 23 said that this was the region's third significant iceberg calving in the past four years. The first such event was reported in 2021, when A-74 broke off the ice sheet, while an even larger berg named A-81 followed in 2023, the report said. The separation of this iceberg was captured by two Earth Observation satellites – the ESA's Copernicus Sentinel-1 and NASA's Landsat 8. How was the May 20 event caused? The May 20 calving event, just like its predecessors, was caused by the weakening of the ice at the McDonald Ice Rumples and the extension of the 'Halloween Crack' into the ice shelf. "This calving event results from a prolonged weakening of the ice at the McDonald Ice Rumples and progressive eastward extension of the so-called ‘Halloween Crack’ into the ice shelf," the report added. The routine monitoring of ice shelves by satellites allows scientists to track the effects of climate change in remote areas, including Antarctica. Iceberg identified as A-83 The iceberg has been officially identified as A-83 by the US National Ice Center. Antarctic icebergs are named after the Antarctic quadrant in which they were originally sighted, then a sequential number, and then, in case the iceberg breaks, a sequential letter, the ESA added. The iceberg did not threaten the British Antarctic Survey's Halley VI Research Station. The station, which is still located on the Brunt Ice Shelf, was relocated to the Caird coast in 2017 after the outer ice shelf was deemed unstable. (With inputs from agencies)

Massive iceberg in Antarctica breaks off in third major calving in last four years

Record low levels of sea ice around Antarctica last year could be linked to climate change. This is according to a study by, researchers at the British Antarctic survey.

Global warming worsened loss of sea ice | WION Climate Tracker

Scientists studying glaciers in Antarctica have made a gravely concerning discovery. Thwaites, known colloquially as the doomsday glacier, seems to be losing glacial mass quicker than previous projections. The implications spell climate catastrophe worse than we have anticipated.

Concerning revelations for 'Doomsday Glacier'

Russia discovered enormous oil and gas deposits in the Antarctic, much of it in regions claimed by the United Kingdom. MPs have cautioned that the studies are a prelude to bringing in drilling rigs to extract fossil fuels from the pristine region. Watch to know more.

Russia's oil discovery in the Antarctic

Russian 'threat' to Antarctica from mining & exploiting oil

In the latest discovery, scientists have found the mysterious reason behind the reappearance of a giant ice hole in Antarctica, which is equal to the size of Switzerland.

In the latest discovery, scientists have found the mysterious reason behind the reappearance of a giant ice hole in Antarctica, which is equal to the size of Switzerland. The rare gaping hole of ice-free water, which is known as a polynya, was first discovered by scientists in 1974 and it remained as a void for two years till it was eventually closed. However, the scientists were left baffled in 2016 and 2017 after the large size polynya reappeared which forced them to look for the reason which was forming the hole. Here's what the scientists found The University of Southampton's researchers discovered that the cause of the mysterious hole was a combination of the ocean's wind, water currents and the increase in the salt level in the water which was melting the sea ice and creating the space. Also Read: Melting ice, burning skin: Antarctic wildlife is getting sunburnt, scientists warn The opening was named by the scientists as the Maud Rise polynya in the 1970s. The name was derived from the underwater mountain which was located beneath the hole in the Weddell Sea. Generally, polynyas appear every year in sea ice which is located in the coastal areas of Antarctica. However, it is unusual for them to get formed hundreds of miles away in the open ocean. In a statement, the study's lead author and a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Southampton Aditya Narayanan said, "The Maud Rise polynya was discovered in the 1970s when remote sensing satellites that can see sea ice over the Southern Ocean were first launched." "It persisted through consecutive winters from 1974 to 1976 and oceanographers back then assumed it would be an annual occurrence. But since the 1970s, it has occurred only sporadically and for brief intervals. 2017 was the first time that we've had such a large and long-lived polynya in the Weddell Sea since the 1970s," he added. How do polynyas affect oceans? The researchers have now warned that the oceans can be adversely effected by polynyas and lead to rise in sea levels, which rose by 0.3 inches from 2022 to 2023. Watch: Russia activates world's first satellite for Arctic observation The study's co-author and professor at the University of California Sarah Gille said, "The imprint of polynyas can remain in the water for multiple years after they've formed." "They can change how water moves around and how currents carry heat towards the continent. The dense waters that form here can spread across the global ocean," she added. (With inputs from agencies)

Antarctica has a giant sea ice hole, as big as Switzerland. Here’s why it keeps reappearing

In the snow-covered continent of the Antarctic, which is also home to hundreds of active volcanoes, there is one volcano which is spewing gold dust worth a small fortune every day.&nbsp;

A report by IFL Science citing a study said that one of the most ferocious and tallest active volcanoes on the continent, Mount Erebus, is expelling more than just smoke.&nbsp;

It was reportedly found that the volcano is spewing out pockets of gas containing crystallised gold every day, which is worth around $6,000.&nbsp;

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The so-called gold dust is no larger than 20 micrometres but over the course of the day, you can get gold which weighs roughly 80 grammes.&nbsp;

The scientists also said that the gold dust travels far and wide after researchers found traces of the gold in ambient air up to 1,000 kilometres away from Mount Erebus.&nbsp;

However, the gold from the volcano may not make you rich as its geographic isolation poses a challenge.&nbsp;

<h2>Why does Mount Erebus spew gold?</h2>

The <a href="https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg13117853-300-science-antarctic-gold-dust/">discovery</a> that the world’s southernmost active volcano on Ross Island near the McMurdo Station is spewing out gold dust was made back in the 1990s.&nbsp;

At the time, scientists noted that while other volcanoes are known to emit gold, Mount Erebus is the only one to emit it in metallic form, which left scientists baffled.&nbsp;

However, in a recent interview, British volcanologist and professor of Earth Sciences at the University of Oxford, Tamsin Mather told Metro UK that gold is not the only valuable thing that comes out of the volcano.&nbsp;

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She noted that the volcano has an “unusual chemistry to its magma” and is one of the “few that has persistent active lava lakes in its crater”.

However, despite the unusual magma Mount Erebus is just one of many volcanoes which is spewing gold, according to Mather, as there are others which also emit metals like copper.&nbsp;

Mather also told the Metro UK you cannot harness the “metallic bounty” as “you can not put an umbrella over a large volcano, trust me.”

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

In the snow-covered continent of the Antarctic, which is also home to hundreds of active volcanoes, there is one volcano which is spewing gold dust worth a small fortune every day.

In the snow-covered continent of the Antarctic, which is also home to hundreds of active volcanoes, there is one volcano which is spewing gold dust worth a small fortune every day. A report by IFL Science citing a study said that one of the most ferocious and tallest active volcanoes on the continent, Mount Erebus, is expelling more than just smoke. It was reportedly found that the volcano is spewing out pockets of gas containing crystallised gold every day, which is worth around $6,000. Also Read | Snow-covered Antarctica hosts hundreds of volcanoes. Scientists say their chances of eruption are... The so-called gold dust is no larger than 20 micrometres but over the course of the day, you can get gold which weighs roughly 80 grammes. The scientists also said that the gold dust travels far and wide after researchers found traces of the gold in ambient air up to 1,000 kilometres away from Mount Erebus. However, the gold from the volcano may not make you rich as its geographic isolation poses a challenge. Why does Mount Erebus spew gold? The discovery that the world’s southernmost active volcano on Ross Island near the McMurdo Station is spewing out gold dust was made back in the 1990s. At the time, scientists noted that while other volcanoes are known to emit gold, Mount Erebus is the only one to emit it in metallic form, which left scientists baffled. However, in a recent interview, British volcanologist and professor of Earth Sciences at the University of Oxford, Tamsin Mather told Metro UK that gold is not the only valuable thing that comes out of the volcano. Also Read | Indonesia’s Ruang volcano erupts, forces evacuation of 800 to nearby islands She noted that the volcano has an “unusual chemistry to its magma” and is one of the “few that has persistent active lava lakes in its crater”. However, despite the unusual magma Mount Erebus is just one of many volcanoes which is spewing gold, according to Mather, as there are others which also emit metals like copper. Mather also told the Metro UK you cannot harness the “metallic bounty” as “you can not put an umbrella over a large volcano, trust me.” (With inputs from agencies)

Mount Erebus: Antarctica’s tallest active volcano spews gold dust worth $6,000 every day

Scientists have been studying the hundreds of volcanoes which have been hiding silently under the thick and frosty layers of snow in Antarctica and trying to estimate what are the chances of their eruption.

Scientists have been studying the hundreds of volcanoes which have been hiding silently under the thick and frosty layers of snow in Antarctica and trying to estimate what are the chances of their eruption. It is not very well-known that the western ice sheet which covers the continent is considered the largest volcanic region present on Earth, with around 138 volcanoes. Among those volcanoes, the geologists had discovered 91 of them as part of a study which was carried out in 2017 and published in the journal Geological Society. Also Read: Mysteries of Antarctic: Researchers find 13 new papillomaviruses in seals Here's what the geologists found about the chances of eruption of volcanoes While studying the volcanoes, which come into existence on the surface of the Earth as an expression of the heated material exiting from its interior, the scientists were unable to "distinguish whether or not [they] are volcanically active," wrote the study authors. At present, two volcanoes of the continent have been classified as active, which are: Mount Erebus and Deception Island. These two are said to be the southernmost active volcano in the world. Speaking to Live Science, Conor Bacon, a postdoctoral research scientist at the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory at Columbia University in New York, said, "Erebus, which looms over the McMurdo research base on Scott Island, has been continuously erupting since at least 1972." Since then, Mount Erebus has been seen to "emit plumes of gas and steam" and even occasionally spew out rock "bombs," which collectively are called strombolian eruptions, as per the NASA Earth Observatory. "One of its most interesting features is the persistent lava lake that occupies one of [its] summit craters, where molten material is present at the surface," said Bacon. Watch: Scientists in Antarctica warn of Bird Flu outbreak as penguin cases confirmed "These are actually quite rare, as it requires some very specific conditions to be met to ensure the surface never freezes over," he added. Meanwhile, Deception Island is the caldera of an active volcano which had last erupted in 1970, as per the data collected by Deception Island Antarctic Specially Managed Area that monitors the volcanic activity on the island. Even though there are two active volcanoes on the continent, Antarctica is filled with fumaroles and volcanic vents which release vapours and gases into the air. Even though scientists have been monitoring the volcanoes of Antarctica with instruments, it can be challenging to predict when the next one will erupt. (With inputs from agencies)

Snow-covered Antarctica hosts hundreds of volcanoes. Scientists say their chances of eruption are...

To unravel the mysteries of&nbsp;Antarctica,&nbsp;researchers from Arizona State University have unearthed a major discovery where they found the presence of 13 previously unknown papillomaviruses carried by Antarctic seals. The latest findings were published in the journal Virology.&nbsp;

Papillomaviruses (HPVs) are a group of small DNA viruses that infect the epithelial cells in humans and other animals. There are hundreds of human papillomaviruses identified, and they are classified into low-risk and high-risk types based on their association with cancer.

Papillomaviruses, infect various species including humans, mammals like seals, and reptiles and have long been a focus of scientific inquiry.

However, much of the research has predominantly centered around human infections.

Melanie Regney, a PhD student at ASU's Varsani Lab and the lead author of the study, expressed her enthusiasm for exploring viruses in overlooked creatures, reportedly stating,&nbsp;“Viruses are everywhere."

“They’re the most abundant entity in the universe. But despite that, they’re one of the things we know the least about. We don’t even know most of them exist," Regney added.&nbsp;

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Regney's interest in Antarctica led her team to study tissue samples from leopard seals, Weddell seals, , and Antarctic fur seals.

<h2>Genome sequencing</h2>

Through genomic sequencing, they identified 13 novel papillomaviruses, with 11 of them representing entirely new viral types.

By employing evolutionary analysis, they determined that these viruses are closely related to papillomaviruses infecting other carnivores. The finding suggested a species-specific co-evolutionary relationship.

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Of particular concern is the discovery that nine of these viruses possess genes potentially associated with cancer. This is akin to human papillomaviruses like HPV 16 and 18.

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While the impact on Antarctic seals remains uncertain, Regney pointed out the importance of further research to safeguard these&nbsp;creatures in the Earth's most unexplored region.&nbsp;

“Antarctica as a whole continent is very pristine. It’s the only one that still remains the least touched by human presence ... so we don’t know a lot about it. Studying the evolutionary aspect of Antarctica’s virome there is very important to understand how the ecosystem works there," Regney said.

(With inputs from agencies)

To unravel the mysteries of Antarctica, researchers from Arizona State University have unearthed a major discovery where they found the presence of 13 previously unknown papillomaviruses carried by Antarctic seals.

To unravel the mysteries of Antarctica, researchers from Arizona State University have unearthed a major discovery where they found the presence of 13 previously unknown papillomaviruses carried by Antarctic seals. The latest findings were published in the journal Virology. Papillomaviruses (HPVs) are a group of small DNA viruses that infect the epithelial cells in humans and other animals. There are hundreds of human papillomaviruses identified, and they are classified into low-risk and high-risk types based on their association with cancer. Papillomaviruses, infect various species including humans, mammals like seals, and reptiles and have long been a focus of scientific inquiry. However, much of the research has predominantly centered around human infections. Melanie Regney, a PhD student at ASU's Varsani Lab and the lead author of the study, expressed her enthusiasm for exploring viruses in overlooked creatures, reportedly stating, “Viruses are everywhere." “They’re the most abundant entity in the universe. But despite that, they’re one of the things we know the least about. We don’t even know most of them exist," Regney added. Also Read | Research predicts solar eclipse path might slightly shift. How can you watch totality now? Regney's interest in Antarctica led her team to study tissue samples from leopard seals, Weddell seals, , and Antarctic fur seals. Genome sequencing Through genomic sequencing, they identified 13 novel papillomaviruses, with 11 of them representing entirely new viral types. By employing evolutionary analysis, they determined that these viruses are closely related to papillomaviruses infecting other carnivores. The finding suggested a species-specific co-evolutionary relationship. Also Read | Deep space collision gives gravitational-wave signal, 650 million light-years away Of particular concern is the discovery that nine of these viruses possess genes potentially associated with cancer. This is akin to human papillomaviruses like HPV 16 and 18. Watch | USDA reveals bird flu updates, Cattle movement implicated in bird flu outbreak × While the impact on Antarctic seals remains uncertain, Regney pointed out the importance of further research to safeguard these creatures in the Earth's most unexplored region. “Antarctica as a whole continent is very pristine. It’s the only one that still remains the least touched by human presence ... so we don’t know a lot about it. Studying the evolutionary aspect of Antarctica’s virome there is very important to understand how the ecosystem works there," Regney said. (With inputs from agencies)

Mysteries of Antarctic: Researchers find 13 new papillomaviruses in seals

Scientists in the Antarctic are warning of the spread of the deadly H5N1 avian flu virus The disease was first detected on the frozen continent's mainland last month It has since been detected in local penguin and cormorant populations The spread of the virus has raised alarms about the potential impact on the region's huge penguin colonies

Scientists in Antarctica warn of Bird Flu outbreak as penguin cases confirmed

Researchers in Antarctica are investigating whether bird flu has killed hundreds, possibly thousands, of Adelie penguins.

Last month, as per a statement by Federation University Australia, a scientific expedition discovered at least 532 dead penguins, with thousands more believed to have perished from an unknown ailment. Researchers suspect that the deadly H5N1 virus might be to blame, reports Reuters.

<h2>Is H5N1 responsible for the hundreds of dead penguins?</h2>

While suspicions point to H5N1, field tests were inconclusive, prompting further analysis. Samples are being sent to labs for deeper analysis as scientists are becoming more and more concerned about the emergence of H5N1 in South America in 2022 and its subsequent arrival in Antarctica.

As per the report, they fear the virus could decimate threatened penguin species and other wildlife on the remote continent&nbsp;already facing challenges from climate change and environmental stressors.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/experts-flag-potential-bird-flu-epidemic-as-100-times-worse-than-covid-707839">Experts flag potential Bird Flu epidemic as '100 times worse than Covid'</a>

Meagan Dewar, a wildlife biologist from Federation University, expressed concern over the potential impact of the virus on Antarctic wildlife.

"This has the potential to have a massive impact on wildlife that is already being impacted by things like climate change and other environmental stresses," said Dewar.

She told Reuters that the dead Adelie penguins were found frozen in sub-zero temperatures on Heroina Island. While researchers were unable to tally all of them, their numbers were estimated to be in the thousands.

Despite the large colony of Adelies on the island, the live penguins had already migrated by the time of the expedition, said Dewar.

Her expedition confirmed the presence of the H5 strain of bird flu on the Antarctic Peninsula and nearby islands, particularly in skua seabirds known for preying on penguin eggs and chicks.&nbsp;

<h2>Emperor penguins face the threat of bird flu</h2>

With approximately 20 million pairs of penguins breeding in Antarctica annually, including endangered emperor penguins, the threat of bird flu exacerbates existing challenges.

"There is now the potential that emperor penguins could be affected come springtime next year," said Dewar.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rare-human-case-of-bird-flu-detected-in-texas-the-patients-symptom-was-weirdly-shocking-706726">Rare human case of bird flu detected in Texas. The patient's symptom was weirdly shocking</a>

Climate change-induced sea ice loss has already led to significant mortality among emperor penguin offspring, and the addition of bird flu could further endanger the survival of the iconic species.

(With inputs from agencies)

Researchers in Antarctica are investigating whether bird flu has killed hundreds, possibly thousands, of Adelie penguins. Last month, as per a statement by Federation University Australia, a scientific expedition discovered at least 532 dead penguins, with thousands more believed to have perished from an unknown ailment.

Researchers in Antarctica are investigating whether bird flu has killed hundreds, possibly thousands, of Adelie penguins. Last month, as per a statement by Federation University Australia, a scientific expedition discovered at least 532 dead penguins, with thousands more believed to have perished from an unknown ailment. Researchers suspect that the deadly H5N1 virus might be to blame, reports Reuters. Is H5N1 responsible for the hundreds of dead penguins? While suspicions point to H5N1, field tests were inconclusive, prompting further analysis. Samples are being sent to labs for deeper analysis as scientists are becoming more and more concerned about the emergence of H5N1 in South America in 2022 and its subsequent arrival in Antarctica. As per the report, they fear the virus could decimate threatened penguin species and other wildlife on the remote continent already facing challenges from climate change and environmental stressors. Also read | Experts flag potential Bird Flu epidemic as '100 times worse than Covid' Meagan Dewar, a wildlife biologist from Federation University, expressed concern over the potential impact of the virus on Antarctic wildlife. "This has the potential to have a massive impact on wildlife that is already being impacted by things like climate change and other environmental stresses," said Dewar. She told Reuters that the dead Adelie penguins were found frozen in sub-zero temperatures on Heroina Island. While researchers were unable to tally all of them, their numbers were estimated to be in the thousands. Despite the large colony of Adelies on the island, the live penguins had already migrated by the time of the expedition, said Dewar. Her expedition confirmed the presence of the H5 strain of bird flu on the Antarctic Peninsula and nearby islands, particularly in skua seabirds known for preying on penguin eggs and chicks. Emperor penguins face the threat of bird flu With approximately 20 million pairs of penguins breeding in Antarctica annually, including endangered emperor penguins, the threat of bird flu exacerbates existing challenges. "There is now the potential that emperor penguins could be affected come springtime next year," said Dewar. Also read | Rare human case of bird flu detected in Texas. The patient's symptom was weirdly shocking Climate change-induced sea ice loss has already led to significant mortality among emperor penguin offspring, and the addition of bird flu could further endanger the survival of the iconic species. (With inputs from agencies)

Is bird flu to blame for thousands of dead penguins in Antarctica? Scientists rush to find out

An extraordinary job opportunity has arisen for adventure enthusiasts. The UK Antarctic Heritage Trust (UKAHT) is seeking to hire five people&nbsp;for a unique role at the world's southernmost post office. Responsibilities include mail sorting and conducting penguin counts in the area. This five-month position will be&nbsp;based at Port Lockroy, as announced in a February 26 post on the trust's social media platforms. Port Lockroy, located on Goudier Island, attracts up to 18,000 cruise ship visitors, making it one of the most popular sites in Antarctica, according to the UKAHT's website.

"From counting penguins to sorting mail at the world's southernmost post office, working at Port Lockroy in Antarctica is a job like no other," the trust said in its job post.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
We are now recruiting for the 2024/25 season! 
 
From counting penguins to sorting mail at the world’s southernmost post office, working at Port Lockroy in Antarctica is a job like no other! 🐧📮🇦🇶 
 
👉Apply here: <a href="https://t.co/aP4Sg63GXl">https://t.co/aP4Sg63GXl</a> 
 
📆 Deadline: 18 March 2024 <a href="https://t.co/dgkICB8yga">pic.twitter.com/dgkICB8yga</a>
— UK Antarctic Heritage Trust (@AntarcticHT) <a href="https://twitter.com/AntarcticHT/status/1762052351576182907?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2>The trust needs more people</h2>

The trust is also in need of a base leader, a shop manager, and three general assistants - all residing at the remote yet bustling location.

These positions are available for a tenure spanning from November 2024 to March 2025.

Port Lockroy has garnered recognition as a secure harbor since its utilisation by whaling fleets during the early 20th century. Due to this reputation, it was chosen as the site for the inaugural continuously inhabited British base, establishing a year-round British presence in Antarctica, as stated on its website.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-to-map-mysteries-of-antarctica-using-robot-plane-686750">Also read |&nbsp;Scientists to map mysteries of Antarctica using robot plane</a>

Base A was established on February 11, 1944, and operated until its closure in 1962. However, rather than being dismantled, the abandoned base was preserved for its historical significance and contribution to British science. It was accorded the status of Historic Site and Monument (HSM) No. 61 under the Antarctic Treaty.

Also watch |&nbsp;Antarctica sea ice shrinking at alarming pace, scientists call it 'abrupt critical transition'

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Port Lockroy underwent a transformation into a "living museum" in 1996, opening its doors to visitors during the Antarctic summer months.

The UK Antarctic Heritage Trust assumed control of Port Lockroy's operations in 2006.

(With inputs from agencies)

An extraordinary job opportunity has arisen for adventure enthusiasts. The UK Antarctic Heritage Trust (UKAHT) is seeking to hire five people for a unique role at the world's southernmost post office.

An extraordinary job opportunity has arisen for adventure enthusiasts. The UK Antarctic Heritage Trust (UKAHT) is seeking to hire five people for a unique role at the world's southernmost post office. Responsibilities include mail sorting and conducting penguin counts in the area. This five-month position will be based at Port Lockroy, as announced in a February 26 post on the trust's social media platforms. Port Lockroy, located on Goudier Island, attracts up to 18,000 cruise ship visitors, making it one of the most popular sites in Antarctica, according to the UKAHT's website. "From counting penguins to sorting mail at the world's southernmost post office, working at Port Lockroy in Antarctica is a job like no other," the trust said in its job post. We are now recruiting for the 2024/25 season! From counting penguins to sorting mail at the world’s southernmost post office, working at Port Lockroy in Antarctica is a job like no other! 🐧📮🇦🇶 👉Apply here: https://t.co/aP4Sg63GXl 📆 Deadline: 18 March 2024 pic.twitter.com/dgkICB8yga — UK Antarctic Heritage Trust (@AntarcticHT) February 26, 2024 × The trust needs more people The trust is also in need of a base leader, a shop manager, and three general assistants - all residing at the remote yet bustling location. These positions are available for a tenure spanning from November 2024 to March 2025. Port Lockroy has garnered recognition as a secure harbor since its utilisation by whaling fleets during the early 20th century. Due to this reputation, it was chosen as the site for the inaugural continuously inhabited British base, establishing a year-round British presence in Antarctica, as stated on its website. Also read | Scientists to map mysteries of Antarctica using robot plane Base A was established on February 11, 1944, and operated until its closure in 1962. However, rather than being dismantled, the abandoned base was preserved for its historical significance and contribution to British science. It was accorded the status of Historic Site and Monument (HSM) No. 61 under the Antarctic Treaty. Also watch | Antarctica sea ice shrinking at alarming pace, scientists call it 'abrupt critical transition' Port Lockroy underwent a transformation into a "living museum" in 1996, opening its doors to visitors during the Antarctic summer months. The UK Antarctic Heritage Trust assumed control of Port Lockroy's operations in 2006. (With inputs from agencies)

Believe it or not, this trust is hiring people to count penguins in Antarctica

Unveiling new details about Antarctica's "Doomsday Glacier", scientists have revealed that the Thwaites Glacier has been losing ice since the 1940s. The insights into the melting of the glacier are crucial as it can have a potentially catastrophic impact on sea levels.

The findings were published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Researchers, utilising marine sediment cores, unearthed evidence suggesting a significant retreat commenced in the 1940s, likely catalysed by an intense El Nino event.

Julia Wellner, an associate professor of geology at the University of Houston, reportedly highlighted the broader implications of the discovery. She underscored that the Thwaites Glacier's retreat mirrors similar patterns observed in neighbouring Pine Island Glacier ice formations.&nbsp;

“If both glaciers are retreating at the same time, that’s further evidence that they’re actually being forced by something,” Wellner added.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/how-applying-physical-pressure-on-cells-diminishes-pain-new-study-reveals-694575">How applying physical pressure on cells diminishes pain? New study reveals</a>

James Smith, a marine geologist at the British Antarctic Survey, reportedly cautioned that once initiated, ice sheet retreats can persist for decades.&nbsp;Ted Scambos, a glaciologist at the University of Colorado Boulder, also emphasised the compounding effect of natural events and human-induced climate change.

He noted that while natural occurrences may trigger initial destabilisation, sustained warming exacerbates and perpetuates the process.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/low-speech-speed-not-limited-vocabulary-indicates-aging-brain-health-study-694565">Low speech speed, not limited vocabulary, indicates aging brain health: Study</a>

Martin Truffer, a physics professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, echoed concerns regarding the fragility of glacier systems in the face of incremental climate shifts.&nbsp;“Humans are changing the climate and this study shows that small continuous changes in climate can lead to step changes in glacier state,” he added.&nbsp;

Watch | New research aims to improve climate &amp; ocean observation

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This study serves as a sobering reminder that the ice's retreat, once set in motion, may prove resistant to mitigation efforts. As the world witnesses the relentless march of climate change, the fate of Antarctica's glaciers hangs in the balance.&nbsp;

The findings were published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

(With inputs from agencies)

Unveiling new details about Antarctica's "Doomsday Glacier", scientists have revealed that the Thwaites Glacier has been losing ice since the 1940s. The insights into the melting of the glacier are crucial as it can have a potentially catastrophic impact on sea levels.

Unveiling new details about Antarctica's "Doomsday Glacier", scientists have revealed that the Thwaites Glacier has been losing ice since the 1940s. The insights into the melting of the glacier are crucial as it can have a potentially catastrophic impact on sea levels. The findings were published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Researchers, utilising marine sediment cores, unearthed evidence suggesting a significant retreat commenced in the 1940s, likely catalysed by an intense El Nino event. Julia Wellner, an associate professor of geology at the University of Houston, reportedly highlighted the broader implications of the discovery. She underscored that the Thwaites Glacier's retreat mirrors similar patterns observed in neighbouring Pine Island Glacier ice formations. “If both glaciers are retreating at the same time, that’s further evidence that they’re actually being forced by something,” Wellner added. Also Read | How applying physical pressure on cells diminishes pain? New study reveals James Smith, a marine geologist at the British Antarctic Survey, reportedly cautioned that once initiated, ice sheet retreats can persist for decades. Ted Scambos, a glaciologist at the University of Colorado Boulder, also emphasised the compounding effect of natural events and human-induced climate change. He noted that while natural occurrences may trigger initial destabilisation, sustained warming exacerbates and perpetuates the process. Also Read | Low speech speed, not limited vocabulary, indicates aging brain health: Study Martin Truffer, a physics professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, echoed concerns regarding the fragility of glacier systems in the face of incremental climate shifts. “Humans are changing the climate and this study shows that small continuous changes in climate can lead to step changes in glacier state,” he added. Watch | New research aims to improve climate & ocean observation × This study serves as a sobering reminder that the ice's retreat, once set in motion, may prove resistant to mitigation efforts. As the world witnesses the relentless march of climate change, the fate of Antarctica's glaciers hangs in the balance. The findings were published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. (With inputs from agencies)

Antarctica's 'Doomsday Glacier' has been losing ice since 1940s, and El Nino is to blame: Study

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