May 18, 2016

expert reaction to study of ice loss from the Antarctic Totten Glacier

A study published in the journal Nature has reported the erosion of deep ice and related movements of an Antarctic glacier as well as modeling possible sea-level rises.

Prof. Andy Shepherd, Director of the NERC Centre for Polar Observation and Modelling at the University of Leeds, said:

“Totten Glacier is a slumbering giant. It’s in one of the most inhospitable places of Antarctica and drains an area the size of France, though over the satellite era hasn’t shown much in the way of change. But because it’s grounded on the ocean floor well below sea level in places, it’s particularly susceptible to ocean warming.

“This new study provides strong evidence that Totten Glacier has cycled through periods of instability over its lifetime and this, coupled with early signs of retreat in the latest satellite measurements, is a clear warning that changes might be on the horizon.”

‘Repeated large-scale retreat and advance of Totten Glacier indicated by inland bed erosion’ by A. R. A. Aitken et al. published in Nature on Wednesday 18th May. 

Declared interests

None declared