Context:
The rapid melting of Thwaites Glacier in West Antarctica, often called the “Doomsday Glacier”, is raising global concerns due to its potential to significantly accelerate sea-level rise and destabilise the West Antarctic Ice Sheet.
Key Highlights:
- Strategic Importance of Thwaites Glacier
- Located in West Antarctica.
- Plays a crucial role in holding back massive ice volumes in the West Antarctic Ice Sheet.
- Accelerated Melting Process
- Warm ocean waters are melting the glacier’s ice shelf from below.
- This causes thinning, retreat, and destabilisation of the glacier.
- Potential Sea-Level Rise
- Complete collapse of the glacier could raise global sea levels by around 0.5 meters.
- This would significantly increase risks of coastal flooding and erosion worldwide.
- Domino Effect on Antarctic Ice
- Thwaites acts as a buttress supporting surrounding glaciers.
- Its collapse could trigger accelerated melting of other glaciers in West Antarctica.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Thwaites Glacier
- Located in West Antarctica near the Amundsen Sea.
- Often referred to as the “Doomsday Glacier” due to its potential impact on sea levels.
- Glacier
- A large mass of ice formed from accumulated snow that slowly moves over land.
- Ice Shelf
- A floating extension of a glacier that extends over the ocean.
- West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS)
- One of the largest ice sheets on Earth.
- Contains enough ice to raise global sea levels significantly if destabilised.
- Sea-Level Rise
- Increase in average ocean levels due to melting ice sheets and thermal expansion of seawater.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Climate Change and Polar Ice Melt
- Rising global temperatures accelerate glacier and ice shelf melting.
- Ocean warming plays a key role in undermining Antarctic ice shelves.
- Global Impacts of Sea-Level Rise
- Threatens coastal cities, island nations, and port infrastructure.
- Increases coastal erosion, storm surges, and flooding risks.
- Implications for India
- India’s long coastline makes it vulnerable to sea-level rise impacts, particularly in:
- Mumbai
- Chennai
- Kolkata
- Low-lying coastal ecosystems such as Sundarbans.
- Importance of Climate Monitoring
- Satellite monitoring and polar research help predict glacier behaviour and sea-level rise.
- Way Forward
- Strengthen global climate mitigation efforts under the Paris Agreement.
- Enhance coastal adaptation strategies and climate resilience planning.
- Promote international polar research collaboration.
UPSC Relevance:
- GS Paper I – Physical Geography: Glaciers and polar environments.
- GS Paper III – Environment: Climate change and sea-level rise impacts.
- Prelims: Thwaites Glacier, ice shelves, Antarctic geography.