The Thwaites Glacier, also known as the Doomsday Glacier, is set to lose its ice shelf this year. It is already the most vulnerable body of ice in the world, and its downfall could cause global sea levels to rise by 2.1 feet. New Scientist reported, citing satellite images, that the Thwaites Eastern Ice Shelf (TEIS) will soon separate from the glacier. Ice shelves are different from glaciers in the sense that the latter are attached to the ground. Ice shelves float in the sea and are attached to the glacier, acting as a buttress and stopping the ice from the glacier from flowing into the sea. According to Robert Larter, a marine geophysicist at the British Antarctic Survey, this event of grave consequences will most likely happen in 2026. He is in charge of the UK arm of the science coordination office at the International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration. "The last bit of ice shelf in front of the glacier is poised to disintegrate," he told Live Science. He added that they don't know how it will happen, but it most definitely will.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/scientists-drilled-3-300-feet-deep-into-doomsday-glacier-thwaites-1770284941763">Scientists drilled 3,300 feet deep into Doomsday Glacier. It wasn't enough</a>&nbsp;Thwaites Glacier is the largest glacier in West Antarctica, and measures about 120 kilometres across its ocean front. It is more than 6,500 feet wide in some places. Its immense width and volume have led to it being named the Doomsday Glacier because it has been losing hundreds of billions of tonnes of ice since the 1980s. The warm ocean water underneath it is affecting its structural integrity as the glacier is melting from its base. Thwaites has retreated around 20 km since 1992. The movement on the side where the ice is breaking away has nearly doubled over the last eight months, Larter said.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/doomsday-gets-closer-cracks-on-thwaites-glacier-have-doubled-in-two-decades-1766981007538">Doomsday gets closer: Cracks on Thwaites Glacier have doubled in two decades</a>&nbsp;A study published March 9 in the journal Geophysical Research Letters noted that global warming could cause it to lose 180 billion to 200 billion tons of ice per year by 2067. While Thwaites itself will cause major damage to coastlines, its collapse would make the rest of the ice sheet vulnerable as well. British Antarctic Survey estimates that if the entire ice sheet slips into the ocean, sea levels would rise by 10.8 feet.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/major-catastrophe-unfolding-in-antarctica-as-hundreds-of-earthquakes-slam-doomsday-glacier-1767680441864">Major catastrophe unfolding in Antarctica as hundreds of earthquakes slam Doomsday Glacier</a><h2>Glacial earthquakes hit Thwaites</h2>A series of earthquakes over 13 years has also shaken Thwaites, adding to fears that it could collapse. Thanh-Son Pham, a researcher at the Australian National University, found that hundreds of iceberg earthquakes have jolted it between 2010 and 2023. The study published in Geophysical Research Letters stated that 362 glacial earthquakes were reported in Antarctica in over a decade, and 245 of them occurred in Doomsday Glacier.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/doomsday-thwaites-glacier-camp-study-melting-1769681591672">Scientists set up camp on 'Doomsday Glacier', but they are on a tight deadline: Here is why it matters</a>&nbsp;Another team of researchers from the University of Manitoba stated that more cracks are forming in one zone. &nbsp;"Over the past two decades, the shelf has experienced progressive fracturing around a prominent shear zone upstream of its pinning point, gradually compromising its structural integrity," they wrote.&nbsp;

Doomsday Glacier in Antarctica will lose its ice shelf in 2026, paving the way for a major climate catastrophe to widen. The glacier has been losing tonnes of ice for nearly 50 years, and when this shelf detaches itself, global sea levels could become the casualty.

The Thwaites Glacier, also known as the Doomsday Glacier, is set to lose its ice shelf this year. It is already the most vulnerable body of ice in the world, and its downfall could cause global sea levels to rise by 2.1 feet. New Scientist reported, citing satellite images, that the Thwaites Eastern Ice Shelf (TEIS) will soon separate from the glacier. Ice shelves are different from glaciers in the sense that the latter are attached to the ground. Ice shelves float in the sea and are attached to the glacier, acting as a buttress and stopping the ice from the glacier from flowing into the sea. According to Robert Larter, a marine geophysicist at the British Antarctic Survey, this event of grave consequences will most likely happen in 2026. He is in charge of the UK arm of the science coordination office at the International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration. "The last bit of ice shelf in front of the glacier is poised to disintegrate," he told Live Science. He added that they don't know how it will happen, but it most definitely will. Also Read: Scientists drilled 3,300 feet deep into Doomsday Glacier. It wasn't enough Thwaites Glacier is the largest glacier in West Antarctica, and measures about 120 kilometres across its ocean front. It is more than 6,500 feet wide in some places. Its immense width and volume have led to it being named the Doomsday Glacier because it has been losing hundreds of billions of tonnes of ice since the 1980s. The warm ocean water underneath it is affecting its structural integrity as the glacier is melting from its base. Thwaites has retreated around 20 km since 1992. The movement on the side where the ice is breaking away has nearly doubled over the last eight months, Larter said. Also Read: Doomsday gets closer: Cracks on Thwaites Glacier have doubled in two decades A study published March 9 in the journal Geophysical Research Letters noted that global warming could cause it to lose 180 billion to 200 billion tons of ice per year by 2067. While Thwaites itself will cause major damage to coastlines, its collapse would make the rest of the ice sheet vulnerable as well. British Antarctic Survey estimates that if the entire ice sheet slips into the ocean, sea levels would rise by 10.8 feet. Also Read: Major catastrophe unfolding in Antarctica as hundreds of earthquakes slam Doomsday Glacier Glacial earthquakes hit Thwaites A series of earthquakes over 13 years has also shaken Thwaites, adding to fears that it could collapse. Thanh-Son Pham, a researcher at the Australian National University, found that hundreds of iceberg earthquakes have jolted it between 2010 and 2023. The study published in Geophysical Research Letters stated that 362 glacial earthquakes were reported in Antarctica in over a decade, and 245 of them occurred in Doomsday Glacier. Also Read: Scientists set up camp on 'Doomsday Glacier', but they are on a tight deadline: Here is why it matters Another team of researchers from the University of Manitoba stated that more cracks are forming in one zone. "Over the past two decades, the shelf has experienced progressive fracturing around a prominent shear zone upstream of its pinning point, gradually compromising its structural integrity," they wrote.

Doomsday Glacier in Antarctica will lose its ice shelf in 2026, paving the way for a major climate catastrophe to widen. The glacier has been losing tonnes of ice for nearly 50 years, and when this shelf detaches itself, global sea levels could become the casualty.

Ice shelf the size of Indian capital city Delhi will detach from 'Doomsday Glacier' in 2026

Scientists who set up camp on the Doomsday Glacier, officially known as the Thwaites Glacier, faced failure after their drilling instruments got stuck after reaching only about half a mile down the ice. The team of researchers had to get a drill to bore through the ice and faced a tight deadline. The task had to be achieved by February 7, since the ship that took them had to return to New Zealand on this day. However, all their efforts went in vain as the machinery could only reach three-quarters of its final destination, the New York Times reported. They intended to place instruments in the warming waters below the ice that is fast melting. Scientists are making efforts to learn about Thwaites as it is predicted to eventually drown the world's coastlines. The team was supposed to learn about the warming waters below the glacier, which is contributing to its withering away.&nbsp;To carve the hole, scientists and engineers first made a borehole around one foot in diameter. They then used hot water to reach about 3,300 feet deep into the ice. Constant application of hot water was needed to prevent the hole from refreezing, which is estimated to happen in just 48 hours. This happened last weekend, and the mission's success depended on securing the instruments in place by Monday (February 2). The weather was expected to worsen in the region this week, making helicopter operations difficult, leading to the team being stranded. They need to leave by February 7.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/major-catastrophe-unfolding-in-antarctica-as-hundreds-of-earthquakes-slam-doomsday-glacier-1767680441864">Major catastrophe unfolding in Antarctica as hundreds of earthquakes slam Doomsday Glacier</a><h2>First data gathered from Thwaites Glacier’s ‘main trunk’</h2>While they managed to dip and remove a set of pilot instruments, their main equipment got stuck in the ice before it could reach the end point. However, the good news is that the scientists collected first ever data from beneath the glacier’s "main trunk". They now have proof that the waters under the glacier are warm.Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/doomsday-thwaites-glacier-camp-study-melting-1769681591672"> Scientists set up camp on 'Doomsday Glacier', but they are on a tight deadline: Here is why it matters</a>&nbsp;Thwaites Glacier is predicted to collapse entirely by the early 22nd century. When this happens, global sea levels could rise by 10 feet. This occurrence is bound to happen, and scientists are racing to study the glacier before it disappears. Another study also noted that the glacier has been struck by 362 glacial earthquakes between 2010 and 2023, making it extremely unstable. Glacial earthquakes have been recorded in Greenland in the past, but they were hard to detect in Antarctica, according to the study published in Geophysical Research Letters

A team studying the Doomsday Glacier, or the Thwaites Glacier, faced a major setback when they could only drill about three-fourths of the intended distance. The plan was to place instruments at the bottom of the glacier, but harsh weather meant it could not happen.  

Scientists who set up camp on the Doomsday Glacier, officially known as the Thwaites Glacier, faced failure after their drilling instruments got stuck after reaching only about half a mile down the ice. The team of researchers had to get a drill to bore through the ice and faced a tight deadline. The task had to be achieved by February 7, since the ship that took them had to return to New Zealand on this day. However, all their efforts went in vain as the machinery could only reach three-quarters of its final destination, the New York Times reported. They intended to place instruments in the warming waters below the ice that is fast melting. Scientists are making efforts to learn about Thwaites as it is predicted to eventually drown the world's coastlines. The team was supposed to learn about the warming waters below the glacier, which is contributing to its withering away. To carve the hole, scientists and engineers first made a borehole around one foot in diameter. They then used hot water to reach about 3,300 feet deep into the ice. Constant application of hot water was needed to prevent the hole from refreezing, which is estimated to happen in just 48 hours. This happened last weekend, and the mission's success depended on securing the instruments in place by Monday (February 2). The weather was expected to worsen in the region this week, making helicopter operations difficult, leading to the team being stranded. They need to leave by February 7. Also Read: Major catastrophe unfolding in Antarctica as hundreds of earthquakes slam Doomsday Glacier First data gathered from Thwaites Glacier’s ‘main trunk’ While they managed to dip and remove a set of pilot instruments, their main equipment got stuck in the ice before it could reach the end point. However, the good news is that the scientists collected first ever data from beneath the glacier’s "main trunk". They now have proof that the waters under the glacier are warm. Also Read: Scientists set up camp on 'Doomsday Glacier', but they are on a tight deadline: Here is why it matters Thwaites Glacier is predicted to collapse entirely by the early 22nd century. When this happens, global sea levels could rise by 10 feet. This occurrence is bound to happen, and scientists are racing to study the glacier before it disappears. Another study also noted that the glacier has been struck by 362 glacial earthquakes between 2010 and 2023, making it extremely unstable. Glacial earthquakes have been recorded in Greenland in the past, but they were hard to detect in Antarctica, according to the study published in Geophysical Research Letters

A team studying the Doomsday Glacier, or the Thwaites Glacier, faced a major setback when they could only drill about three-fourths of the intended distance. The plan was to place instruments at the bottom of the glacier, but harsh weather meant it could not happen. &nbsp;

Scientists drilled 3,300 feet deep into Doomsday Glacier. It wasn't enough

Thwaites Glacier, also known as the Doomsday Glacier, can produce underwater tsunamis ranging from 30 to more than 300 feet, according to researchers. This happens when glaciers collapse, creating a wave that could reach extreme heights. We know that iceberg calving happens, but what happens underneath the water at this time? "These big underwater waves, with amplitudes of 10s to possibly hundreds of meters, what that can do is mix deep water with water closer to the surface. We have to understand that in order to make those better predictions about sea ice melt,” said British Antarctic Survey (BAS) Oceanographer Dr Alex Brearley.&nbsp;&nbsp;Scientists are using underwater torpedo drones to observe the occurrences under the glaciers. When calving events happen in the Thwaites Glacier, underwater tsunamis are triggered. These tsunamis are speeding up the mixing of cold and warm waters, rising sea levels, etc. All of which could be an indicator of what’s to come, should environmental catastrophe strike.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/doomsday-gets-closer-cracks-on-thwaites-glacier-have-doubled-in-two-decades-1766981007538">Doomsday gets closer: Cracks on Thwaites Glacier have doubled in two decades</a><h2>Why does this matter?</h2> These underwater tsunamis are dangerous because they mix warm and cold water. As the ocean churns, deep, warm water moves upwards to the surface. This warm water slams into the bottom of the glacier and the surrounding sea ice. This causes the ice to melt much faster than scientists previously predicted.<h2>Doomsday Glacier and sea level rise</h2> Thwaites Glacier is a major risk to the world's coastlines. Studies estimate that if it collapses entirely, it could raise global sea levels by about two feet. This event could then act as a catalyst and cause the rest of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet to fall as well, raising sea levels by 10 feet<h2>How are they studying it?</h2> Humans can't study these tsunamis closely. So scientists are using underwater "torpedo" drones to measure the waves caused by the calving events. These hidden "underwater tsunamis" are a newly discovered gear in the climate change machine that is accelerating how fast our oceans are rising. &nbsp;

 Doomsday Glacier is producing underwater tsunamis, which are not easy to study. Scientists have found a way to observe and analyse them. As the glacier melts, more of these waves will occur. How is it changing?

Thwaites Glacier, also known as the Doomsday Glacier, can produce underwater tsunamis ranging from 30 to more than 300 feet, according to researchers. This happens when glaciers collapse, creating a wave that could reach extreme heights. We know that iceberg calving happens, but what happens underneath the water at this time? "These big underwater waves, with amplitudes of 10s to possibly hundreds of meters, what that can do is mix deep water with water closer to the surface. We have to understand that in order to make those better predictions about sea ice melt,” said British Antarctic Survey (BAS) Oceanographer Dr Alex Brearley. Scientists are using underwater torpedo drones to observe the occurrences under the glaciers. When calving events happen in the Thwaites Glacier, underwater tsunamis are triggered. These tsunamis are speeding up the mixing of cold and warm waters, rising sea levels, etc. All of which could be an indicator of what’s to come, should environmental catastrophe strike. Also Read: Doomsday gets closer: Cracks on Thwaites Glacier have doubled in two decades Why does this matter? These underwater tsunamis are dangerous because they mix warm and cold water. As the ocean churns, deep, warm water moves upwards to the surface. This warm water slams into the bottom of the glacier and the surrounding sea ice. This causes the ice to melt much faster than scientists previously predicted. Doomsday Glacier and sea level rise Thwaites Glacier is a major risk to the world's coastlines. Studies estimate that if it collapses entirely, it could raise global sea levels by about two feet. This event could then act as a catalyst and cause the rest of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet to fall as well, raising sea levels by 10 feet How are they studying it? Humans can't study these tsunamis closely. So scientists are using underwater "torpedo" drones to measure the waves caused by the calving events. These hidden "underwater tsunamis" are a newly discovered gear in the climate change machine that is accelerating how fast our oceans are rising.

Doomsday Glacier is producing underwater tsunamis, which are not easy to study. Scientists have found a way to observe and analyse them. As the glacier melts, more of these waves will occur. How is it changing?

300 foot underwater tsunamis triggered by Doomsday Glacier threaten the world

Scientists have managed to establish human presence on the Thwaites Glacier to understand everything about it before it vanishes. Also known as Doomsday Glacier, Thwaites is melting extremely fast and is estimated to disappear fully by the early 22nd century. The New York Times reported, that a camp was set up on the glacier on January 19, with roughly 17 tons of gear and drilling personnel ready to look deep inside it. The expedition aims to drill a hole in the ice and place instruments in the warming ocean waters below. This will reveal to the world how the sea is slowly killing the massive glacier. The program will continue for the next few weeks and won't be an easy one. Reaching the glacier was itself an arduous affair because of the weather. Although the researchers reached Thwaites earlier this month, helicopters from the ship could not land them on the glacier because of the invisibility caused by the clouds over the ice. But a lucky break in the weather allowed them to land cargo and erect a campsite.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/major-catastrophe-unfolding-in-antarctica-as-hundreds-of-earthquakes-slam-doomsday-glacier-1767680441864">Major catastrophe unfolding in Antarctica as hundreds of earthquakes slam Doomsday Glacier</a><h2>Setting camp on Thwaites Glacier - Why it matters</h2>The 10-member team does not have a lot of time on Thwaites and must battle the bad weather to finish their task - place monitoring equipment inside the glacier. Their ship, Araon, needs to leave for New Zealand by February 7 as it has another Antarctic voyage to take. Setting up on the glacier would have taken a week, which leaves them with only about 10-12 days. One of the team members told the outlet that it is important to stay safe, and they are hopeful of returning with "some hard-hitting scientific results that speak about our planet." If the scientists are successful in placing the equipment, they would be able to gather data on the sea temperature and the thinning ice remotely.<h2>What will happen if Doomsday Glacier collapses</h2>If the Doomsday Glacier collapses entirely, global sea levels could rise by 10 feet. Fresh studies have also shown that the glacier has been struck by hundreds of iceberg earthquakes between 2010 and 2023, making it extremely unstable. According to a study published in Geophysical Research Letters, 362 glacial earthquakes were recorded in Antarctica during this time period, and 245 of them slammed the Doomsday Glacier. Such tremors, known as glacial earthquakes, were first detected in 2003 along the coast of Greenland. They occur when large icebergs collapse. Scientists assumed that they were happening in Antarctica, but their lower magnitude made them hard to detect.&nbsp;

Thwaites, or the 'Doomsday Glacier' is melting away. Scientists have set up a campsite complete with bathrooms and other amenities on the glacier and will install equipment deep inside the ice. They need to do this before February 7.

Scientists have managed to establish human presence on the Thwaites Glacier to understand everything about it before it vanishes. Also known as Doomsday Glacier, Thwaites is melting extremely fast and is estimated to disappear fully by the early 22nd century. The New York Times reported, that a camp was set up on the glacier on January 19, with roughly 17 tons of gear and drilling personnel ready to look deep inside it. The expedition aims to drill a hole in the ice and place instruments in the warming ocean waters below. This will reveal to the world how the sea is slowly killing the massive glacier. The program will continue for the next few weeks and won't be an easy one. Reaching the glacier was itself an arduous affair because of the weather. Although the researchers reached Thwaites earlier this month, helicopters from the ship could not land them on the glacier because of the invisibility caused by the clouds over the ice. But a lucky break in the weather allowed them to land cargo and erect a campsite. Also Read: Major catastrophe unfolding in Antarctica as hundreds of earthquakes slam Doomsday Glacier Setting camp on Thwaites Glacier - Why it matters The 10-member team does not have a lot of time on Thwaites and must battle the bad weather to finish their task - place monitoring equipment inside the glacier. Their ship, Araon, needs to leave for New Zealand by February 7 as it has another Antarctic voyage to take. Setting up on the glacier would have taken a week, which leaves them with only about 10-12 days. One of the team members told the outlet that it is important to stay safe, and they are hopeful of returning with "some hard-hitting scientific results that speak about our planet." If the scientists are successful in placing the equipment, they would be able to gather data on the sea temperature and the thinning ice remotely. What will happen if Doomsday Glacier collapses If the Doomsday Glacier collapses entirely, global sea levels could rise by 10 feet. Fresh studies have also shown that the glacier has been struck by hundreds of iceberg earthquakes between 2010 and 2023, making it extremely unstable. According to a study published in Geophysical Research Letters, 362 glacial earthquakes were recorded in Antarctica during this time period, and 245 of them slammed the Doomsday Glacier. Such tremors, known as glacial earthquakes, were first detected in 2003 along the coast of Greenland. They occur when large icebergs collapse. Scientists assumed that they were happening in Antarctica, but their lower magnitude made them hard to detect.

Thwaites, or the 'Doomsday Glacier' is melting away. Scientists have set up a campsite complete with bathrooms and other amenities on the glacier and will install equipment deep inside the ice. They need to do this before February 7.

Scientists set up camp on 'Doomsday Glacier', but they are on a tight deadline: Here is why it matters

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?

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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"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

Geoengineers are trying to configure innovative technologies to slow down glacier melting and prevent the "doomsday glacier" and others from collapsing. One such idea requires a whopping $50 billion.

Geoengineers are trying to configure innovative technologies to slow down glacier melting and prevent the "doomsday glacier" and others from collapsing. One such idea requires a whopping $50 billion. Thwaites Glacier, often called the "doomsday glacier", blocks warming sea waters from reaching other glaciers. But it is now on the move and its collapse would prompt the sea level to rise by 10 more feet. Already, the melting glacier contributes four per cent to the global sea rise level. Since the year 2000, it has lost over 1,000 billion tonnes of ice. Thus, geoengineers have been working to find solutions to this massive problem which can someday lead to catastrophe, flooding several cities across the world. The latest one is underwater curtains. John Moore, a glaciologist and geoengineer researcher at the University of Lapland, wants to install massive 62-mile-long underwater curtains to prevent the warm seawater from reaching the glaciers. However, he requires a whopping $50 billion to make it happen. ALSO READ | Four astronauts begin 6-month mission aboard ISS as SpaceX Dragon 'Endeavour' docks successfully These underwater curtains would stop the flow of warm currents to the Thwaites to prevent the melting. They will also provide the ice shelf time to rebuild. However, all this is right now just in theory. Moore and his team, currently testing prototypes, are figuring out a way to install the curtains on the Amundsen seafloor to stall the melting. The underwater curtains idea is not new. Moore proposed a similar solution back in 2018. Instead of curtains, he suggested building a massive wall. However, he switched to curtains, as it was a safer option. Moore explained that the underwater curtains are as effective in blocking the warm water from melting the glacier. They are easier to remove if necessary. "Any intervention should be something that you can revert if you have second thoughts," he said. Researchers at the University of Cambridge are testing a three-foot-long version of this technology inside small tanks. Once they prove the functionality of this innovation, they'll head to River Cam to test it. Moore said they' either install them at the river bottom or will pull them behind a boat. If everything goes well, they will try a set of 33-foot-long underwater curtains in a Norwegian fjord in about two years. (With inputs from agencies)

Underwater curtains can save the 'Doomsday glacier'. But there is a massive price tag attached

Scientists have raised an alarm, they said that the doomsday glacier, known formally as the Thwaites Glacier is holding by fingernail. The glacier is around the size of the state of Florida and it's melting could raise sea levels by up to 2 feet.

WION Climate Tracker: Existential threat to Doomsday glacier?

Thwaites Glacier, one of the biggest glaciers in Antarctica is dominating headlines. The glacier spans 120 kilometers it is as high as a six-story building as big as the American state of Florida, so why is this glacier in the news right now?

Thwaites glacier could shatter in five years

Antarctica's "Doomsday Glacier" could collapse in 5 years. The melting ice puts millions of lives at risk. Climate change is now emerging as an international security threat. But, world powers are still playing politics over it. Palki Sharma tells you how.

Gravitas: Antarctica's Doomsday Glacier could displace millions

According to scientists, Antarctica's Thwaites Glacier, commonly referred to as the "doomsday glacier" could shatter within the next five years.

Antarctica's "Doomsday Glacier" could collapse in five years

According to scientists, an ice shelf holding a critical glacier in Antarctica could shatter within the next five years. They say a floating section at the front of Thwaites Glacier that until now has been relatively stable could "shatter like a car windscreen".

Ice shelf of Thwaites glacier can collapse in five years, says scientists

According to a recent study, the 'Most Dangerous' glacier is melting. Antarctica’s Thwaites Glacier is approaching a tipping point that would kick off unstoppable flow of ice into the ocean. Watch this video to know more on the story.

Study: The 'Most Dangerous' glacier is melting

A glacier in Antarctica is approaching the "tipping point" that would lead to an catastrophic global sea level rise, a study has said.

The Thwaites Glacier, which is roughly the size of Florida or Britain, in West Antarctica, is at an unstoppable point now and once the "instability" begins, nothing could prevent the ice from melting, the Nasa-backed study said. Some of the low-lying areas of coastline will be drowned completely, it warned.

The melting can happen at present-day ice melting rates, the study further said.

Britain and the United States launched a $25 million project last year to study the risks of the collapse of the Thwaites Glacier. The five-year research, involving 100 scientists, is the two nations' biggest joint scientific project in Antarctica since the 1940s.

Ice is thawing from Greenland to Antarctica and man-made global warming is accelerating the trend.

Thwaites and the nearby Pine Island Glacier are two of the biggest and fastest-retreating glaciers in Antarctica.

If both abruptly collapsed, allowing ice far inland to flow faster into the oceans, world sea levels could rise by more than a metre (three feet), threatening cities from Shanghai to San Francisco and low-lying coastal regions.

Other scientists from South Korea, Germany, Sweden, New Zealand and Finland are also contributing in the project.

The United States is keeping up research even though US President Donald Trump doubts mainstream scientific findings that human activities, led by the burning of fossil fuels, are the main cause of global warming.

(With inputs from agencies)

A glacier in Antarctica is approaching the "tipping point" that would lead to an catastrophic global sea level rise, a study has said. The Thwaites Glacier, which is roughly the size of Florida or Britain, in West Antarctica, is at an unstoppable point now and once the "instability" begins, nothing could prevent the ice from melting, the Nasa-backed study said.

A glacier in Antarctica is approaching the "tipping point" that would lead to an catastrophic global sea level rise, a study has said. The Thwaites Glacier, which is roughly the size of Florida or Britain, in West Antarctica, is at an unstoppable point now and once the "instability" begins, nothing could prevent the ice from melting, the Nasa-backed study said. Some of the low-lying areas of coastline will be drowned completely, it warned. The melting can happen at present-day ice melting rates, the study further said. Britain and the United States launched a $25 million project last year to study the risks of the collapse of the Thwaites Glacier. The five-year research, involving 100 scientists, is the two nations' biggest joint scientific project in Antarctica since the 1940s. Ice is thawing from Greenland to Antarctica and man-made global warming is accelerating the trend. Thwaites and the nearby Pine Island Glacier are two of the biggest and fastest-retreating glaciers in Antarctica. If both abruptly collapsed, allowing ice far inland to flow faster into the oceans, world sea levels could rise by more than a metre (three feet), threatening cities from Shanghai to San Francisco and low-lying coastal regions. Other scientists from South Korea, Germany, Sweden, New Zealand and Finland are also contributing in the project. The United States is keeping up research even though US President Donald Trump doubts mainstream scientific findings that human activities, led by the burning of fossil fuels, are the main cause of global warming. (With inputs from agencies)

Glacier the size of Britain could disappear and drown low-lying coasts: Study

The United Kingdon and the United States have now decided to start a US $25 million projects to study the risks of Thwaites glacier in west Antarctica, dubbed the “doomsday glacier.”

About 100 researchers at Penn State University will soon be descending to West Antarctica to get an idea of the future of global sea level. The International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration plans to deploy six teams to the remote ice sheet, where they will study it using a host of tools, including instrument-carrying seals and earth-sensing seismographs.&nbsp;

As per reports, the collapse of the glacier could begin in the next few centuries or decades. The scientists would study the Thwaites Glacier, which is roughly the size of Florida or Britain, in West Antarctica, the UK Natural Environment Research Council and US National Science Foundation said in a joint statement.

“Rising sea levels are a globally important issue which cannot be tackled by one country alone," UK science minister Sam Gyimah said.&nbsp;

The Thwaites glacier alone is thought to have accounted for about 4% of global sea-level rises, doubling its contribution since the mid-1990s.

The funds will be used by the UK’s Natural Environment Research Council and the National Science Foundation of the US, involving about 100 scientists, in the biggest joint project by the two countries in Antarctica since the end of a mapping project in the region in the late 1940s. Researchers from other countries, including South Korea, Germany, Sweden, New Zealand and Finland, will also contribute.

Thwaites and the nearby Pine Island Glacier are two of the biggest and fastest-retreating glaciers in Antarctica.

If both abruptly collapsed, allowing ice far inland to flow faster into the oceans, world sea levels could rise by more than a metre (3 feet), threatening cities from Shanghai to San Francisco and low-lying coastal regions.

The scientists would deploy planes, hot water drills, satellite measurements, ships and robot submarines to one of the remotest parts of the planet to see "whether the glacier's collapse could begin in the next few decades or centuries," the statement said.

Despite satellites, "there are still many aspects of the ice and ocean that cannot be determined from space," said Ted Scambos, of the National Snow and Ice Data Center and the lead U.S. scientific coordinator.

As per reports, the collapse of the glacier could begin in the next few centuries or decades. The scientists would study the Thwaites Glacier, which is roughly the size of Florida or Britain

The United Kingdon and the United States have now decided to start a US $25 million projects to study the risks of Thwaites glacier in west Antarctica, dubbed the “doomsday glacier.” About 100 researchers at Penn State University will soon be descending to West Antarctica to get an idea of the future of global sea level. The International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration plans to deploy six teams to the remote ice sheet, where they will study it using a host of tools, including instrument-carrying seals and earth-sensing seismographs. As per reports, the collapse of the glacier could begin in the next few centuries or decades. The scientists would study the Thwaites Glacier, which is roughly the size of Florida or Britain, in West Antarctica, the UK Natural Environment Research Council and US National Science Foundation said in a joint statement. “Rising sea levels are a globally important issue which cannot be tackled by one country alone," UK science minister Sam Gyimah said. The Thwaites glacier alone is thought to have accounted for about 4% of global sea-level rises, doubling its contribution since the mid-1990s. The funds will be used by the UK’s Natural Environment Research Council and the National Science Foundation of the US, involving about 100 scientists, in the biggest joint project by the two countries in Antarctica since the end of a mapping project in the region in the late 1940s. Researchers from other countries, including South Korea, Germany, Sweden, New Zealand and Finland, will also contribute. Thwaites and the nearby Pine Island Glacier are two of the biggest and fastest-retreating glaciers in Antarctica. If both abruptly collapsed, allowing ice far inland to flow faster into the oceans, world sea levels could rise by more than a metre (3 feet), threatening cities from Shanghai to San Francisco and low-lying coastal regions. The scientists would deploy planes, hot water drills, satellite measurements, ships and robot submarines to one of the remotest parts of the planet to see "whether the glacier's collapse could begin in the next few decades or centuries," the statement said. Despite satellites, "there are still many aspects of the ice and ocean that cannot be determined from space," said Ted Scambos, of the National Snow and Ice Data Center and the lead U.S. scientific coordinator.

UK, US launch $25 million project to study 'doomsday' glacier in West Antarctica

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