Thaw of Antarctica has already begun and is irreversible
The collapse of the West Antarctic ice sheet has already begun and is not reversible, revealed two distinct research teams studies. The retreat of glaciers is being driven by climate change and is already causing an increase in the average level of seawater very higher than scientists had anticipated.The complete loss of the Western Antarctic ice could cause, eventually, an increase of four meters at sea level, devastating many coastal areas around the world. Studies indicate that although it is not possible to stop this thaw has already started, the considerable increase is still centuries away, potentially to a Millennium.The two studies â€" one from NASA and the University of Washington â€" analyzed the ice sheets in Western Antarctica over several periods of time. NASA investigators focused on the melting of the last 20 years, while scientists at the University of Washington used computer models to analyse the future of glaciers in the West of the continent.Both studies have reached similar conclusions â€" thinning and melting has started and cannot be reversed, even with dramatic actions to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases that cause climate change. Scientists suggest that the recent Antarctic ice accumulation was temporary."Much of the Western Antarctic ice is an irreversible State of conservation. Passed the point of no return. And this retreat will have disastrous consequences in increasing the level of sea water around the planet, "says Eric Rignot, glaciologist at NASA, the Guardian.The scientists concluded that the causes for the loss of ice from the continent are complex â€" and it's not just due to higher temperatures. Both studies claim that the contact between the glaciers and warmer water in the depths of the Ocean was the main driver of the slow thaw.Foto: NASA ICE/Creative Commons
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