In climate change and its negative effects on the planet in general, the behavior of the great ice masses of the Antarctic continent plays a fundamental role. One of the main reasons for climate change is the increase in the greenhouse effect caused by excessive pollution from human economic activities.
The scientific community established as the limit of ascent of average temperatures of the planet an increase of two degrees. From there, changes in our atmosphere and forms of life would already be irreversible and unpredictable. That is why more than 100 countries have joined in the fight against climate change and have ratified the Paris Agreement.
Studies published in the journal Nature indicate that the ice sheets of East Antarctica appear to be the areas most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, which is related to the melting of Antarctica. This creates great uncertainty about the sea level rise that will be experienced in the coming years, as the ice caps in that area are melting at a faster rate than expected. To better understand the impact of this phenomenon, it is advisable to consult how The melting of Larsen C causes instability in the ecosystem and at sea level.
The fact that these areas are melting earlier than expected suggests that they are more sensitive to climate change. A group of experts from Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany analyzed field data, climate models, and satellite images. Thanks to this data, we understand why this area is more vulnerable. to the strong winds that carry the hot air and that move the snow from its surface. Although despite this, experts cannot predict well the behavior that this area will have with respect to the contribution to the increase of the sea in Antarctica.
The displacement of snow on the surface by the hot, dry wind creates a more temperate local microclimate where a small number of hot spots appear, including a mysterious crater located a few years ago on the King Baudouin Ice Shelf. At the time the crater was discovered, it was thought to be the result of a meteorite impact. But today we know it's a collapsed lake with a mill inside. This mill is a hole that pours water into the ocean, which is related to the study of what happens when the ice melts in Antarctica.
In turn, research carried out by expert groups has discovered numerous lakes with liquid water hidden under the surface of the ice. Some of these lakes are several kilometers in size. This may be evidence that the effects of climate change are becoming more pronounced in these vulnerable areas, as the meltwater in the crater increases dramatically from year to year. This echoes other studies exploring The danger that the melting of Antarctica poses to humanity.
Another study by universities in the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Germany, and the United States has examined the behavior and importance of Antarctic ice sheets. It concludes that they play a fundamental role in regional and local climate change, potentially explaining why sea ice in the Southern Hemisphere is so rare. it has continued to rise, despite the warming experienced in the rest of the world. For more information about this phenomenon, it is advisable to explore how Kelvin waves accelerate the melting of Antarctica.
Many of the paleoclimatic models that attempt to explain changes in climate throughout history have not taken into account the climatic variability that has been imprinted on paleoclimatic records, which is why they are somewhat incomplete.
"Most of the icebergs that break off the Antarctic ice sheet roam this region as a result of atmospheric and oceanic circulation", says in a statement Michael Weber, paleoclimatologist at the University of Cambridge (UK).
Scientists confirm that the periods that have occurred throughout the history of alternation between losses and increase in ice mass have had a “cascading effect”Especially the climate system. That is, changes in the climate that have occurred for decades can have a considerable impact over the vast Antarctic ice sheet, which may continue to increase as the effects of climate change become more pronounced. This dynamic is related to other studies that analyze .
Furthermore, it is important to consider that Antarctica could be left with 25 percent less ice by the end of the century, which would further increase the risk posed by climate change.
Climate change is also reflected in the temperature of Antarctica, which could increase significantly, thus affecting various species that inhabit this region. This is particularly relevant for the local ecosystem, since the penguins and other animals depend on the ice for survival. Studying their impact is crucial to understanding the overall health of the Antarctic ecosystem and its future.
Scientists warn of the possibility that the giant Larsen C ice shelf breaks up, which would have ripple effects on other areas of the continent. This situation is related to the growing concern about melting ice in the region and its implications for rising sea levels.
It is also essential to assess the risks associated with global warming in Antarctica, as it could trigger eruptions in Antarctic volcanoes, something that is still being investigated. This phenomenon could further aggravate the current situation of Antarctic glaciers and ice.
In this line, it is necessary to investigate the melting of the Totten Glacier, which is melting at a faster rate, posing a significant threat to the stability of the ice in the area.
Finally, studies on the Antarctic sea ice record low demonstrate the seriousness of the situation. As global temperatures continue to rise, it is crucial that measures be taken to curb climate change and protect the health of our oceans and ecosystems. Continued research in this area is vital to anticipate possible future scenarios and their implications for the planet.