A new study has uncovered a concerning tipping point that could accelerate the melting of Antarctic ice sheets and lead to greater sea level rise than currently projected.

The research, published in the journal Nature Geoscience, found that warm ocean water seeping beneath the ice sheets can trigger a feedback loop of runaway melting.

The study explained that as ocean temperatures rise due to climate change, the warm water can intrude between the ice sheets and the underlying ground.

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This creates cavities that allow more warm water to flow in, further melting the ice and expanding the cavities in a self-reinforcing cycle.

"Every 10th of a degree (of warming) makes these kind of processes closer, these tipping points closer," said lead author, Dr Alexander Bradley from the British Antarctic Survey.

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The researchers warn that this newly identified melting mechanism could mean that current projections of sea level rise are significant underestimates.

<h2>Urgent climate action needed&nbsp;</h2>

The study highlighted certain vulnerable areas of Antarctica, such as the Pine Island Glacier, that are at high risk of this accelerated melting due to their topography.

"Increases in ocean temperature can lead to a tipping point being passed, beyond which ocean water intrudes in an unbounded manner beneath the ice sheet, via a process of runaway melting," the study stated.

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While the exact timing of when this tipping point could be reached remains uncertain, the researchers stressed the urgency of curbing fossil fuel emissions to prevent crossing this critical threshold.

Integrating this new understanding of seawater intrusion into ice sheet models is crucial to better anticipate the potential impacts on sea level rise in the coming decades and centuries.

"It really just stresses the need for urgent climate action in order to prevent these tipping points from being passed," Bradley emphasised.

(With inputs from agencies)

A new study has uncovered a concerning tipping point that could accelerate the melting of Antarctic ice sheets and lead to greater sea level rise than currently projected.

A new study has uncovered a concerning tipping point that could accelerate the melting of Antarctic ice sheets and lead to greater sea level rise than currently projected. The research, published in the journal Nature Geoscience, found that warm ocean water seeping beneath the ice sheets can trigger a feedback loop of runaway melting. The study explained that as ocean temperatures rise due to climate change, the warm water can intrude between the ice sheets and the underlying ground. Also Read | Volcanic eruptions on Iceland's Reykjanes peninsula could continue for decades: Study This creates cavities that allow more warm water to flow in, further melting the ice and expanding the cavities in a self-reinforcing cycle. "Every 10th of a degree (of warming) makes these kind of processes closer, these tipping points closer," said lead author, Dr Alexander Bradley from the British Antarctic Survey. Also Read | Is the wind on Earth being controlled by currents at the edge of space? Study hints so The researchers warn that this newly identified melting mechanism could mean that current projections of sea level rise are significant underestimates. Urgent climate action needed The study highlighted certain vulnerable areas of Antarctica, such as the Pine Island Glacier, that are at high risk of this accelerated melting due to their topography. "Increases in ocean temperature can lead to a tipping point being passed, beyond which ocean water intrudes in an unbounded manner beneath the ice sheet, via a process of runaway melting," the study stated. Watch | Cancer rate in younger people rising sharply as per new research × While the exact timing of when this tipping point could be reached remains uncertain, the researchers stressed the urgency of curbing fossil fuel emissions to prevent crossing this critical threshold. Integrating this new understanding of seawater intrusion into ice sheet models is crucial to better anticipate the potential impacts on sea level rise in the coming decades and centuries. "It really just stresses the need for urgent climate action in order to prevent these tipping points from being passed," Bradley emphasised. (With inputs from agencies)

Alarming Antarctic ice melt tipping point found, raises fears of sea level rise

The Atlantic Ocean's circulation has been moving towards a tipping point which is “bad news for the climate system and humanity”, according to a new study. 
 
The scientists, who have carried out the research, said that they were shocked seeing the expected forecast speed of collapse once the tipping point is reached. However, they added that it was not yet possible to predict how soon the tipping point will be reached. 
 
By using past data and computer models, the researchers have developed an early warning indicator to understand the breakdown of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (Amoc), which is a vast system of ocean currents and is an important component in global climate regulation.

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The researchers found that Amoc is already moving towards an abrupt shift. This kind of change has not taken place in more than 10,000 years and would have dire implications for major parts of the world. 
 
Amoc, which encompasses the Gulf Stream's parts and other powerful currents, is a major marine conveyor belt which contains carbon, nutrients and heat from the tropics towards the Arctic Circle, where it sinks and cools into the deep ocean.

<h2 lang="en-US">Churning of the Atlantic Ocean helps in distribution of energy</h2>

The churning of the Atlantic Ocean helps in the distribution of energy around the Earth and modulates the human-caused global heating's impact. 
 
However, the system is getting eroded by the faster-than-expected melt-off of glaciers in Greenland and ice sheets in the Arctic Circle, which provides freshwater into the sea and causes obstruction in the sinking of warmer, saltier water from the south. 
 
Since 1950, Amoc has declined 15 per cent and has reached its weakest state in more than a millennium, as per previous research which prompted speculation regarding an approaching collapse. 
 
Till now, there has been no consensus regarding how severe this is going to be. According to a study done last year, which was done on the basis of changes in sea surface temperatures, it was estimated that the tipping point can happen between 2025 and 2095.

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However, the UK Met Office stated that large and rapid changes in Amoc were “very unlikely” in the 21st century. 
 
According to the paper, the results provided a “clear answer” regarding whether such an abrupt shift was possible. 
 
“This is bad news for the climate system and humanity as up till now one could think that Amoc tipping was only a theoretical concept and tipping would disappear as soon as the full climate system, with all its additional feedbacks, was considered," it added.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Atlantic Ocean's circulation has been moving towards a tipping point which is “bad news for the climate system and humanity”, according to a new study. The scientists, who have carried out the research, said that they were shocked seeing the expected forecast speed of collapse once the tipping point is reached.

The Atlantic Ocean's circulation has been moving towards a tipping point which is “bad news for the climate system and humanity”, according to a new study. The scientists, who have carried out the research, said that they were shocked seeing the expected forecast speed of collapse once the tipping point is reached. However, they added that it was not yet possible to predict how soon the tipping point will be reached. By using past data and computer models, the researchers have developed an early warning indicator to understand the breakdown of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (Amoc), which is a vast system of ocean currents and is an important component in global climate regulation. Also Read: Oceans absorbed heat enough to boil 'billions' of Olympic swimming pools in 2023: Study The researchers found that Amoc is already moving towards an abrupt shift. This kind of change has not taken place in more than 10,000 years and would have dire implications for major parts of the world. Amoc, which encompasses the Gulf Stream's parts and other powerful currents, is a major marine conveyor belt which contains carbon, nutrients and heat from the tropics towards the Arctic Circle, where it sinks and cools into the deep ocean. Churning of the Atlantic Ocean helps in distribution of energy The churning of the Atlantic Ocean helps in the distribution of energy around the Earth and modulates the human-caused global heating's impact. However, the system is getting eroded by the faster-than-expected melt-off of glaciers in Greenland and ice sheets in the Arctic Circle, which provides freshwater into the sea and causes obstruction in the sinking of warmer, saltier water from the south. Since 1950, Amoc has declined 15 per cent and has reached its weakest state in more than a millennium, as per previous research which prompted speculation regarding an approaching collapse. Till now, there has been no consensus regarding how severe this is going to be. According to a study done last year, which was done on the basis of changes in sea surface temperatures, it was estimated that the tipping point can happen between 2025 and 2095. Watch: NASA launches new climate mission to study ocean However, the UK Met Office stated that large and rapid changes in Amoc were “very unlikely” in the 21st century. According to the paper, the results provided a “clear answer” regarding whether such an abrupt shift was possible. “This is bad news for the climate system and humanity as up till now one could think that Amoc tipping was only a theoretical concept and tipping would disappear as soon as the full climate system, with all its additional feedbacks, was considered," it added. (With inputs from agencies)

Atlantic Ocean circulation nears ‘devastating’ tipping point. Here’s why it is bad news for humanity

A new scientific research says says that climate change can happen much sooner than expected. For more than a decade climate researchers have been monitoring tipping points. It is critical situation after which changes become irreversible.

WION Climate Tracker| Study: 1.1°C can hamper tipping points; climate change needs urgent attention

According to a significant study, the climate catastrophe has brought the globe dangerously close to many "disastrous" tipping points.&nbsp;

It demonstrates that five perilous tipping thresholds may have already been crossed as a result of the 1.1 degrees C global warming brought on by human activity to date.&nbsp;

These include the abrupt melting of carbon-rich permafrost, the collapse of a major current in the north Atlantic, and the loss of Greenland's ice cap, all of which will result in significant sea level rises.
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Four of the five tipping points go from being feasible to likely at 1.5 degrees C of heating, the minimum rise now anticipated, according to the research. Another five tipping points become likely at 1.5 degrees C, including modifications to huge northern forests and the disappearance of practically all alpine glaciers.&nbsp;

The researchers discovered evidence for 16 tipping points in total, the last six of which, in the scientists' estimations, would need to be triggered by global warming of at least 2 degrees C. The tipping points would occur throughout periods of time ranging from a few years to hundreds of years.

The researchers came to the conclusion that beyond 1C of global warming, "the Earth may have left a 'safe' climate state," with the whole history of human civilization has evolved in temperatures lower than this. When one tipping point is crossed, it frequently causes cascades by setting off subsequent ones. However, as this is currently under investigation and was left out of the analysis, there may be minimal risk.&nbsp;

The Amazon rainforest, the Greenland ice sheet, the Gulf Stream currents, and what scientists refer to as the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation are all showing signs of instability recently. Losing these ecosystems would have "profound" effects on the climate and biodiversity of the entire planet (Amoc).

According to a recent assessment by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, with 2C of global warming, the chance of setting off climate tipping points increases.&nbsp;

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More than 200 prior studies on historical tipping points, climatic measurements, and modelling studies were reviewed for the analysis, which was published in the journal Science. When a temperature threshold is crossed, a climate system reaches a tipping point that cannot be reversed, even if global warming stops.&nbsp;

The collapse of the Greenland, west Antarctic, and two portions of the east Antarctic ice sheets, the partial and complete collapse of Amoc, Amazon dieback, permafrost collapse, and the loss of winter sea ice in the Arctic are the nine global tipping points that have been identified.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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According to a significant study, the climate catastrophe has brought the globe dangerously close to many "disastrous" tipping points. It demonstrates that five perilous tipping thresholds may have already been crossed as a result of the 1.

According to a significant study, the climate catastrophe has brought the globe dangerously close to many "disastrous" tipping points. It demonstrates that five perilous tipping thresholds may have already been crossed as a result of the 1.1 degrees C global warming brought on by human activity to date. These include the abrupt melting of carbon-rich permafrost, the collapse of a major current in the north Atlantic, and the loss of Greenland's ice cap, all of which will result in significant sea level rises. Four of the five tipping points go from being feasible to likely at 1.5 degrees C of heating, the minimum rise now anticipated, according to the research. Another five tipping points become likely at 1.5 degrees C, including modifications to huge northern forests and the disappearance of practically all alpine glaciers. The researchers discovered evidence for 16 tipping points in total, the last six of which, in the scientists' estimations, would need to be triggered by global warming of at least 2 degrees C. The tipping points would occur throughout periods of time ranging from a few years to hundreds of years. The researchers came to the conclusion that beyond 1C of global warming, "the Earth may have left a 'safe' climate state," with the whole history of human civilization has evolved in temperatures lower than this. When one tipping point is crossed, it frequently causes cascades by setting off subsequent ones. However, as this is currently under investigation and was left out of the analysis, there may be minimal risk. The Amazon rainforest, the Greenland ice sheet, the Gulf Stream currents, and what scientists refer to as the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation are all showing signs of instability recently. Losing these ecosystems would have "profound" effects on the climate and biodiversity of the entire planet (Amoc). According to a recent assessment by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, with 2C of global warming, the chance of setting off climate tipping points increases. Also Read: Royal drama: Scandals and controversies of Queen Elizabeth II's reign More than 200 prior studies on historical tipping points, climatic measurements, and modelling studies were reviewed for the analysis, which was published in the journal Science. When a temperature threshold is crossed, a climate system reaches a tipping point that cannot be reversed, even if global warming stops. The collapse of the Greenland, west Antarctic, and two portions of the east Antarctic ice sheets, the partial and complete collapse of Amoc, Amazon dieback, permafrost collapse, and the loss of winter sea ice in the Arctic are the nine global tipping points that have been identified. (with inputs from agencies)

Infographic: Climate crisis has driven world on brink of five ‘disastrous’ tipping points

Global warming may have already reached an irreversible tipping point, according to the scientist who conducted the largest-ever Arctic expedition.&nbsp;

"The disappearance of summer sea ice in the Arctic is one of the first landmines in this minefield, one of the tipping points that we set off first when we push warming too far," said Professor Markus Rex.

"And one can essentially ask if we haven't already stepped on this mine and already set off the beginning of the explosion."

Professor Rex was the leader of the world's largest trip to the North Pole, which included 300 scientists from 20 countries.

After 389 days drifting through the North Pole, the team returned to Germany in October, bearing heartbreaking proof of a vanishing Arctic Ocean and forecasts of ice-free summers in only a few decades.&nbsp;

The 140 million euro (US$165 million) expedition also brought back 150 terabytes of data and more than 1,000 ice samples.

Scientists discovered that the Arctic sea ice retreated "faster in the spring of 2020 than since the beginning of records," and that "the spread of the sea ice in the summer was only half as wide as decades ago," according to Rex.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Global warming may have already reached an irreversible tipping point, according to the scientist who conducted the largest-ever Arctic expedition. "The disappearance of summer sea ice in the Arctic is one of the first landmines in this minefield, one of the tipping points that we set off first when we push warming too far," said Professor Markus Rex.

Global warming may have already reached an irreversible tipping point, according to the scientist who conducted the largest-ever Arctic expedition. "The disappearance of summer sea ice in the Arctic is one of the first landmines in this minefield, one of the tipping points that we set off first when we push warming too far," said Professor Markus Rex. "And one can essentially ask if we haven't already stepped on this mine and already set off the beginning of the explosion." Professor Rex was the leader of the world's largest trip to the North Pole, which included 300 scientists from 20 countries. After 389 days drifting through the North Pole, the team returned to Germany in October, bearing heartbreaking proof of a vanishing Arctic Ocean and forecasts of ice-free summers in only a few decades. The 140 million euro (US$165 million) expedition also brought back 150 terabytes of data and more than 1,000 ice samples. Scientists discovered that the Arctic sea ice retreated "faster in the spring of 2020 than since the beginning of records," and that "the spread of the sea ice in the summer was only half as wide as decades ago," according to Rex. (With inputs from agencies)

Global warming may have already passed irreversible tipping point: Arctic mission chief

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