Antarctica’s Melting Ice Is Lifting the Land. Could It Slow Rising Seas?

As Antarctica’s ice melts, the land beneath it is rising due to the reduced weight on the bedrock. This unexpected uplift could potentially help reduce the impact of rising sea levels.

Outlook International Desk
Updated on: 19 August 2024 

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Nature is full of surprises, and Antarctica is adding another intriguing twist to its tale. Recent research reveals that the land beneath the Antarctic Ice Sheet is rising, a phenomenon that could have significant implications for sea level rise. Understanding this process is crucial as we seek to anticipate and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

While the Earth may seem stable, the ground beneath our feet is in constant motion. Land can sink or rise due to various environmental factors. In Antarctica, as ice melts, the bedrock beneath is experiencing a noticeable uplift. This is because the weight of the ice pressing down on the land is reduced, allowing the bedrock to rise slowly.

Terry Wilson, a senior research scientist at the Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center at The Ohio State University, is leading a team investigating this phenomenon. Their focus is on how the rising land could interact with the melting ice and impact global sea levels.

Researchers at McGill University have developed a sophisticated model to explore these interactions. The model offers a glimmer of hope: if we succeed in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and slowing global warming, the uplift of the land could potentially reduce Antarctica’s contribution to sea level rise by up to 40%.

The rising land in Antarctica may offer some relief from rising sea levels. As the ice melts, the bedrock’s uplift could offset some of the expected increases in sea levels. This could significantly reduce the amount of sea level rise caused by melting ice if we manage to cut emissions.

Wilson explains, “Our measurements show that the solid earth beneath the Antarctic ice sheet is changing shape much faster than we previously thought. The uplift of the land is occurring over decades, not thousands of years.”

Risks Of Inaction

However, the benefits of land uplift are contingent on our actions to address climate change. If greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise unchecked, the ice will melt faster than the land can rise. This scenario would lead to an acceleration of sea level rise, potentially worsening predictions for coastal flooding and impacting millions of people living in low-lying areas.

Wilson warns, “If emissions are not reduced in time, the melting ice will outpace the land’s uplift, leading to greater sea level rise. This could significantly worsen predictions for sea level rise along populated coastlines.”

The study, which uses data from the Antarctic Network (ANET) of the Polar Earth Observing Network (POLENET) project, involves simulations to predict potential changes in Antarctica’s ice sheet and their effects on global sea levels until the year 2500. This research underscores the importance of taking immediate action to limit emissions and mitigate climate change impacts.

Wilson’s research emphasizes that individual and collective actions can influence the future health of our planet. With nearly 700 million people living in coastal regions, understanding and addressing sea level rise is crucial for protecting vulnerable communities.

Wilson concludes, “There’s a lot of uncertainty in every model and prediction, but improving our ability to make accurate predictions is essential. It’s the only way we can effectively address the changes our world is undergoing.”

This study highlights the urgent need for action on climate change. Whether through personal choices, supporting environmental policies, or advocating for systemic changes, every effort contributes to preserving our planet. As we face the challenges of a changing climate, every action, no matter how small, can make a difference in shaping a sustainable future.