Thwaites Glacier

Thwaites Glacier Latest News

Scientists have raised concerns over the Thwaites Glacier, as it is melting at an unprecedented rate because of climate change fueled by human activities. 

About Thwaites Glacier

• Location: It is a large glacier in West Antarctica, about the size of a large country.
• Scientists have often called it the “Doomsday Glacier”.
• It’s a wide and fast-flowing glacier, roughly the size of Florida or Great Britain.
• It is one of the most vulnerable and important glaciers in the world in terms of future global sea-level rise.
• It contributes 4% to global annual sea-level rise, and its collapse could destabilise the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, which would cause catastrophic sea-level rise. 

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Impact of Melting of Thwaites Glacier

• It has been becoming thinner, retreating, and contributing to sea-level rise.
• If it weakens beyond a point, other glaciers may lose ice faster as well, further increasing sea-level rise.
• Higher sea levels will cause coasts to flood more easily, worsen erosion, increase storm surges, and threaten cities, low-lying islands, and ports.
• Significance: It is one of the most important places on the earth for those trying to understand how sea levels will rise in future.

Source: NDTV