Glaciers have existed on Earth for at least 60 million years – far longer than previously thought
Scientists used satellites to map tens of thousands of glacial landforms in Antarctica’s highest mountains.
Dec. 15, 2022 • ~5 min
Scientists used satellites to map tens of thousands of glacial landforms in Antarctica’s highest mountains.
A field glaciologist explains the changes scientists are now seeing.
Liquid water below the ice determines how fast an ice stream flows. As the ice sheet gets thinner, more of that salty groundwater could rise.
Liquid water below the ice determines how fast an ice stream flows. As the ice sheet gets thinner, more of that salty groundwater could rise.
Ground is collapsing and massive lakes are draining in a matter of days. Thawing permafrost is having profound effects on the region and its infrastructure.
Glaciers in North America, Europe and the Andes, in particular, have significantly less ice than people realized.
Glaciers in North America, Europe and the Andes, in particular, have significantly less ice than people realized.
Some of the climate changes will be irreversible for millennia. But some can be slowed and even stopped if countries quickly reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, including from burning fossil fuels.
The Laptev Sea is one of the Arctic's biggest nurseries of new sea ice in winter, but Siberia's record summer heat may have halted production.
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