Unveiling the storm beneath. How Antarctic ice loss is fueled by submesoscale ocean features. The icy landscapes of Antarctica are under threat from an unexpected force, submesoscale ocean storms. These miniature yet powerful weather systems operating on a scale of just days have been identified as key drivers of aggressive ice melting at Thwaite’s Glacier and Pine Island Glacier in the Ammonson Sea Embayment,**
This groundbreaking research led by scientists at the University of California, Irvine, and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory reveals a previously overlooked mechanism in the complex interplay between the ocean and Antarctic ice shelves. The study published in Nature GeoScience marks the first time that ocean induced ice shelf melting events have been examined from a weather time scale perspective.
By analyzing submesoscale ocean features, the researchers were able to match these ocean storms with intense ice melt, providing a more detailed understanding of the processes at play. The findings highlight a positive feedback loop where more ice shelf melting generates more ocean turbulence leading to further melting. The research team utilized climate simulation modeling and mor observation tools to capture the intricate details of submesoscale ocean features.
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These features operating on a scale of 1 to 10 kilometers are tiny in comparison to the vast expanse of the ocean and the massive ice shelves of Antarctica. However, their impact is significant, causing warm water to intrude into cavities beneath the ice, melting it from below. The study's implications are far-reaching. These ephemeral highfrequency processes account for nearly a fifth of the total submarine melt variance over a seasonal cycle.
During extreme events, submarine melting can increase by as much as three-fold within hours as these submesoscale features collide with ice fronts. The findings are supported by highresolution observational data from moorings and floats in Antarctica, further solidifying their validity.
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The region between the crossen and thuates ice shelves stands out as a submesoscale hot spot. The floating tongue of Thwaite's ice shelf and the shallow seafloor create a topographic barrier that enhances submesoscale activity making this area particularly vulnerable. The urgency of these findings is heightened by the changing climate. The West Antarctic ice sheet if it were to collapse could raise global sea levels by up to 3 meters.
The research suggests that in a warmer future, these energetic submesoscale fronts could become even more prevalent, posing significant risks to ice shelf stability and global sea level rise. The implications of this discovery are profound.
As lead author Matia Pinelli explains, these fine oceanic features at the submesoscale are among the primary drivers of ice loss. This realization underscores the critical need to incorporate these short-term weather-like processes into climate models for more accurate projections of sea level rise.
Moreover, Eric Rignot, a UC Irvine professor, emphasizes the importance of funding and developing better observation tools, including advanced oceangoing robots, to measure sub oceanic processes and their dynamics.
This research serves as a reminder that the intricate dance between the ocean and ice shelves is more complex than previously thought. As we continue to explore the mysteries beneath the Antarctic ice, we gain valuable insights into the mechanisms driving climate change and the potential consequences for our planet's future.
**The term you may have encountered is the Amundsen Sea Embayment (ASE), which is the region of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet that drains into the Amundsen Sea and is a major focus of climate change research due to significant ice loss. VIDEO 2: WATCH & READ Antarctic Ice Shrinks to 3rd-Lowest Maximum Ever: What Satellite Data Reveals, transcript-[Timeless Tales Network Nov 24]
TRANSCRIPT:
Antarctica's ice crisis. A troubling trend unveiled. In a concerning development, Antarctic sea ice has reached its seasonal maximum. But the extent of this ice coverage is alarmingly low, raising critical questions about our planet's health.
Antarctic sea ice, a vital component of Earth's climate and ecosystems, has exhibited a dramatic shift since 2016. Once relatively stable, it now mirrors the long-term decline seen in the Arctic with successive years showing historically low ice levels during both winter and summer. The contrast between the Arctic and Antarctic is stark. While the Arctic is an ocean surrounded by land, Antarctica is a continent surrounded by open ocean.
This geographic difference allows Antarctic sea ice to undergo a dynamic seasonal cycle, expanding freely in winter and retreating dramatically in summer. This ice plays a crucial role in regulating climate, influencing ocean circulation and shaping weather patterns across the southern hemisphere.
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Furthermore, Antarctic sea ice supports a rich and diverse ecosystem, providing essential feeding and breeding grounds for species like penguins, seals, seabirds, and krill. Its variability is a key indicator of broader environmental changes, making it a critical focus for climate scientists. But here's where it gets controversial. Despite the clear departure from historical norms, researchers caution against drawing definitive conclusions about long-term change.
The Antarctic climate systems complexity influenced by factors like ocean temperatures, atmospheric circulation, wind patterns, and natural climate variability makes it challenging to pinpoint the exact causes and effects. And this is the part most people miss. Antarctic sea ice's decline is not just a scientific curiosity. It's a stark reminder of the urgent need for global action on climate change. 2.01
The implications of this ice loss extend far beyond the southern hemisphere, impacting weather patterns, ocean currents, and ecosystems worldwide. So, what can we do? The answer lies in a combination of scientific research, policy changes, and individual actions to reduce our carbon footprint. It's a collective effort that requires global cooperation and a commitment to sustainable practices.
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