This article entitled “In Antarctica, Two Crucial Glaciers Accelerate Toward the Sea” written by Jugal K. Patel speaks about two major glaciers on the continent of Antarctica. The Pine Island and Thwaites glaciers at the edge of Antarctica have become of increasing concern because of their massive sizes and their recent movements. Together, the glaciers hold back ice that, “if melted, would raise the world’s oceans by nearly four feet over centuries, an amount that would put many coastal cities underwater” (Patel). Glaciers, in general are basically long rivers of ice. These Antarctic glaciers collect ice from parts of the larger ice sheets that cover the continent and due to their massive size, are able to move very slowly just like rivers (“All”). From the Pine Island glacier, the amount of ice that could flow into the glacier and subsequently into the sea would, over the course of time, raise the global sea level by more than a foot and a half. The Pine Island glacier in just the years from 2014 to 2017, has released an iceberg larger than 100 square miles, twice (Patel). From 1973-2010, Pine Island has increased its speed by 75%, and it evidently does not appear to be slowing down. The Thwaites glacier also is observed to be releasing more and more into the ocean, and the ice from this glacier could eventually increase the sea level over two feet (Patel). Scientists say these shifts are a result of warmer waters in front of the glaciers. Though luckily the movements were not in regions critical to keeping the glacier intact, they provide an insight into how the ice shelves respond to rapid environmental changes and how future fragmentation of these glaciers and many others may look.

This article presents just how important it is for humans to be conscious of their actions, and what can result from them. The burning of fossil fuels and release of greenhouse gases traps heat in the atmosphere and warms it up. Over 90% of the extra heat ends up in the ocean, which impacts glaciers, storms, marine life and much more (Abraham). Studies show that warming is occurring 13% faster than previously thought and is getting faster (Abraham). So, articles like these that show the consequences of human-driven change serve as calls for change. Observing and studying glacial patterns in general is important not only to monitor issues like global warming, but also things like sea level changes which greatly impact coastal cities. A major glacial break can cause massive waves and/or flooding and can be the difference between survival and destruction of entire communities. Studying patterns like the speed at which glaciers break and how much breaks off can help scientists have a better idea of what to expect in the future and maybe even predict another major event.

 

References:

Abraham, John. “Earth’s Oceans Are Warming 13% Faster than Thought, and Accelerating.” The Guardian. Guardian News and Media, 10 Mar. 2017. Web.

“All About Glaciers.” What Is a Glacier? National Snow and Ice Data Center, 2017. Web.

Patel, Jugal K. “In Antarctica, Two Crucial Glaciers Accelerate Toward the Sea.” The New York Times. The New York Times, 26 Oct. 2017. Web.