Monday, September 16, 2013

Antarctic ice sheet melting from below at a very fast rate - Pentagon Post

Global warming is rapidly melting the Polar Ice Caps. The latest in this is the Pine Island Glacier in Antarctic  which is being rapidly melted by the warm currents of water below.

The sprawling Pine Island Glacier is one of the most remote places in the Antarctic. Tests have revealed that currents of warm water beneath the glacier have been rapidly melting the glaciers at the rate of 2.4 inches (6 centimeters) per day. Researchers from the Naval Post Postgraduate School came to this conclusion. The researchers had planted unique sensors through the 500 meters of ice to determine the rate by which the warm currents were melting the massive Pine Island Glaciers from below. The study was part of a two month long expedition to this remote continent.

"Antarctic ice sheet melting from below, scientists say"

Antarctic ice sheet melting from below, scientists say

A team of researchers have been studying the Pine Island Glacier which is one of fastest changing glacier in the Antarctic Region. The far reaches of the Antarctic is of special interest to the researchers. The ice in this region is thinning out at a rate of about 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) each year.

David Holland, a professor of mathematics at the Center for Atmosphere Ocean Science at New York University, said in a statement. "Intensive melting under the Pine Island ice shelf, as observed in our study, could potentially lead to the speed up and ultimate break-up of the ice shelf. That's important, as this ice shelf is currently holding back inland ice, and without that restraining force, the Pine Island catchment basin could further contribute to global sea-level rise."

Melting ice caps from the polar region has been one of the side effects of Global Warming. Melting ice caps has led to a rise of ocean levels and poses a big threat to island nations.

About Author

Sana Khan

Born and brought up in Pakistan, Sana has settled in Baltimore. Sana came to pursue her Masters in Economics but was keen on journalism. Her talent was recognized by our editor Hazel and soon she became one of our leading reporters from the world of Economics.

Source : http://www.pentagonpost.com/antarctic-ice-sheet-melting-fast-rate/83412018