Antarctica: Why this major discovery gives hope for the future of the climate

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A recent study has revealed some unexpected details of the dynamics of glacial melting. Published on July 31 in the journal Sciences Advances, it offers new perspectives for research on the elevation of sea ​​level and highlighted a very important phenomenon. The lands of the Antarctic continent are rising, and this slow process could play a fundamental role in limiting the impacts of global warming.

The phenomenon of land uplift

The scientists in charge of the expedition used an autonomous submersible named Ran. The latter unveiled the mysteries buried beneath the Thwaites Glacier, a glacier closely monitored since the early 2000s because of its major role in the melting of the ice.

Armed with a sophisticated sonar, Ran drew up a new and detailed map of the subglacial relief, revealing an unexpected landscape of ridges, valleys and dune formations. Anna Wåhlin, professor of oceanography at the University of Gothenburg explains the importance of this operation: ” It's a bit like seeing the back of the Moon for the first time “.

Beyond these fascinating geological revelations, the expedition shed light on an often hidden phenomenon: terrestrial uplift (post-glacial rebound). This process, caused by the reduction of glacial pressure on the rocky base, allows the earth to gradually rise. In Antarctica, this telluric movement reaches a staggering speed of around 5 centimeters per year, far surpassing the rates observed elsewhere, notably in North America.

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L&amp ;#8217;impact of this uplift on ice dynamics is very complex. Terry Wilson, a researcher at the Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center, suggests that this phenomenon could paradoxically slow down the flow of ice towards the ocean. This unexpected consequence could thus help preserve a larger portion of the ice sheet, potentially mitigating Antarctica's contribution to rising ocean waters.

3D modeling: predicting the future of ice and oceans

In collaboration with researchers from McGill University, the scientists have developed a 3D model of the interactions between land uplift and ice sheets in Antarctica. This sophisticated model, based on a myriad of geophysical data, offers insightful predictions about the influence of these interactions on global ocean levels.

The results of the simulations, which are particularly promising, reveal that in the event of a drastic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, the uplift of the Earth could reduce by 40% the role of Antarctica in the phenomenon of rising sea levels.

This is rather positive news, but not everything is rosy. It must be understood that the phenomenon of post-glacial rebound is a slow process that takes place over thousands of years. It cannot therefore fully compensate for a rapid rise in sea level due to accelerated global warming as is currently the case. Furthermore, it does not affect all regions uniformly and cannot solve this problem on its own. The real lever for action remains the same: reducing our emissions as quickly as possible.

• A recent study has revealed that Antarctica is rising faster than expected, which could slow the melting of the ice.
• While this phenomenon is positive, it will not be enough to offset the effects of global warming in the short term
• This discovery will still help refine models for predicting sea level rise.

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