UEA Study Uncovers Warming Oceans’ Role in Accelerating Melting of Antarctica’s Ross Ice Shelf

UEA Study Uncovers Warming Oceans’ Role in Accelerating Melting of Antarctica’s Ross Ice Shelf

(IN BRIEF) A University of East Anglia study reveals that the Ross Ice Shelf has been melting more rapidly due to warming ocean waters, with heat transport likely to increase as the climate continues to warm. Data gathered by an autonomous glider shows how wind-driven currents are transporting surface heat into the ice shelf cavity, a process that could accelerate sea-level rise.

(PRESS RELEASE) NORWICH, 9-Nov-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — New research led by scientists from the University of East Anglia (UEA) has, for the first time, revealed how a major Antarctic ice shelf—the Ross Ice Shelf—has experienced increased melting due to warming ocean waters over the last 40 years. This groundbreaking study was made possible when UEA’s autonomous Seaglider, “Marlin,” was unintentionally pulled beneath the ice shelf during its deployment, collecting valuable data for four days.

The glider’s unexpected journey allowed researchers to observe a 50-meter layer of warmer water entering the ice shelf cavity, which contributed to melting of the shelf’s underside. Analysis of historical data reveals that heat entering the cavity has risen over the last 45 years, likely due to climate-driven warming in the Ross Sea. This increase, albeit gradual, could lead to significant ice loss, which could have cascading impacts on global sea levels.

Lead author Dr. Peter Sheehan explains, “Although the temperature increase seems minor, it could lead to 20-80 cm of additional ice loss annually.” This study highlights the significance of wind-driven Ekman currents, which transport warm surface waters into the ice shelf cavity, further intensifying melting. As warming continues, these processes are expected to increase, and scientists are calling for these dynamics to be included in future climate models.

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SOURCE: University of East Anglia