Three of the world\u2019s most iconic cities could be submerged if Antarctica\u2019s so-called \u201cDoomsday Glacier\u201d collapses, and scientists say that scenario is becoming more likely.<\/p>\n
Climate change has long been linked to rising sea levels, warmer global temperatures, and extreme weather events. But new research on the Thwaites Glacier (ominously dubbed the \u201cDoomsday Glacier\u201d) is putting the potential consequences into sharper, more alarming focus, BBC Science Focus details.<\/p>\n
Thwaites Glacier, located in West Antarctica, holds enough frozen water to raise global sea levels by more than two feet. But scientists warn that if it fully collapses, it could trigger a chain reaction affecting the much larger Antarctic ice sheet. The result? A staggering sea level rise of up to 10 feet, enough to drown major global cities like London, New York, and Bangkok.<\/p>\n
These urban centres, home to millions and popular with tourists from around the world, would be among the first to face catastrophic flooding in such a scenario.<\/p>\n
Researchers have been monitoring Thwaites closely through the International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration (ITGC), which launched in 2018 to study the glacier\u2019s stability. What they\u2019ve found is deeply concerning: the glacier is riddled with so-called \u201chidden lakes\u201d beneath its surface, which may be playing a far greater role in its potential collapse than previously thought.<\/p>\n
\nHave you heard about the Thwaites Glacier, aka the Doomsday Glacier?<\/p>\n
It\u2019s melting rapidly, and scientists are warning that its collapse could mean global flooding and disaster.<\/p>\n
Here's what's happening and how supply chains can adapt: pic.twitter.com\/LR3iD7kbxn<\/a><\/p>\n
— Glenn Koepke (@LogTech1999) December 23, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n