南極のスウェイツ氷河で、東側の棚氷に大きな亀裂が広がり、分離が進んでいる。この事態は、氷河の流出速度を加速させ、今後数十年にわたって世界的な海面上昇を招く恐れがある。
スウェイツ氷河の東側棚氷は、面積約1500平方キロメートル、厚さ350メートルに及ぶ。衛星観測によると、この棚氷は固定点周辺および氷河が海と接する接地線に沿って急速に亀裂が生じている。氷河の流出速度は2020年1月から3倍に増加し、2026年1月には年間2000メートル強に達した。その後もさらなる加速が確認されている。
Antarctica's Hektoria Glacier lost 15 miles of length in just 15 months, marking the fastest retreat of grounded ice observed in modern times. The collapse unfolded between early 2022 and spring 2023 on the eastern Antarctic Peninsula.
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A new study shows that channels beneath Antarctic ice shelves can trap warm ocean water and accelerate melting from below. Researchers focused on the Fimbulisen Ice Shelf in East Antarctica and found that this process may make even cold regions more vulnerable. The findings suggest current climate models could underestimate future sea level rise.
Gases from hot springs in central Zambia show signs of mantle fluids rising to the surface, suggesting an early-stage continental rift. Researchers say this could mark the start of a new tectonic plate boundary. The findings come from samples collected in the Kafue Rift.
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Two companies have tested pumping seawater onto Arctic ice to increase its thickness and slow summer melting. Field trials in Canada and Norway produced thicker ice but showed varying effects on how long it lasted.
A patch of cooling ocean south-east of Greenland, known as the cold blob, is likely caused by a slowdown in the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, according to new research. The findings add to concerns about potential future climate impacts in Europe and beyond. Scientists remain divided on the exact causes.