Antarctic glaciers, which are also called "end of the world glaciers" due to their potential to have a major impact on global sea level rise, are melting in the ocean. It turns out that the actual rate at which the ice melts at the bottom is slower than previously predicted.
This research was published on the 15th by a research team from the United States and other countries in the scientific journal Nature.
It has been pointed out that Thwaites Glacier in Antarctica, if all melted, could raise the world's average sea level by more than 50 centimeters.
The research team drilled a hole about 600 meters deep from the top of the glacier and inserted an underwater robot equipped with cameras and sensors to investigate how the bottom of the glacier melts in contact with seawater. rice field.
They found that the actual rate at which ice melts at the bottom of the glacier is slower than previously predicted.
On the other hand, it was found that ice melts relatively quickly in cracks in glaciers, such as crevasses.
Regarding these results, the research group believes that cold water formed by melting ice forms a layer at the bottom of the glacier, and the ice melts slowly, whereas crevasses are easy for warm seawater to enter, and the ice melts quickly. Analyzing.
The research group said, "This discovery is an important step in understanding the impact of glaciers on future sea level rise."