Latest news with #seaLevelRise
Sustainability Times
2 days ago
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'This Proves We've Been Lied To': Alien-Like World Discovered Beneath Antarctica Fuels Explosive Rift Between Scientists and Truth-Seekers
IN A NUTSHELL 🌍 Scientists have discovered ancient, river-carved landscapes hidden beneath the East Antarctic Ice Sheet. hidden beneath the East Antarctic Ice Sheet. 🧊 These preserved surfaces act as natural barriers, influencing the flow of glaciers and potentially moderating ice loss. act as natural barriers, influencing the flow of glaciers and potentially moderating ice loss. 🔬 The research, led by Durham University, utilized radar data to map these features, revealing their vast extent and impact on ice dynamics. to map these features, revealing their vast extent and impact on ice dynamics. 🌡️ Understanding these landscapes is crucial for improving predictive models of future sea-level rise in response to climate change. Recent discoveries beneath the vast, icy expanse of Antarctica have uncovered a hidden world that could reshape our understanding of ice flow dynamics and future sea-level predictions. A team of researchers from Durham University and other global institutions has identified ancient landscapes beneath the East Antarctic Ice Sheet. These landscapes, shaped by rivers millions of years ago, are now influencing the movement of glaciers, potentially altering how we forecast ice loss and its impact on global sea levels. This groundbreaking research offers a new lens through which to observe the frozen continent's past and its implications for our warming world. Revealing the Ancient River-Carved Surfaces The ancient landscapes discovered beneath the East Antarctic Ice Sheet extend over an impressive 2,175-mile stretch along the continent's coast. These flat surfaces, believed to have been sculpted by rivers before Antarctica became ice-covered around 34 million years ago, now lie buried under the ice. The research team utilized radar data to map these features, revealing their vast expanse and intricate details. What makes these surfaces so significant is their influence on current glacier flow. While deep troughs guide the movement of fast-flowing glaciers, the flat areas act as natural barriers, slowing down the ice flow. This discovery suggests that these surfaces could play a crucial role in moderating ice loss, providing new insights into predicting future changes in sea levels. Incorporating these findings into predictive models can enhance our understanding of how the East Antarctic Ice Sheet may respond to climate change, offering a more accurate assessment of potential sea-level rises. 'This Sensor Sees the Unseeable': NASA's Quantum Gravity Tech Set to Revolutionize Earth Monitoring With Unmatched Precision A Remarkably Preserved Landscape The preservation of these landscapes is nothing short of remarkable. For over 30 million years, these surfaces have remained largely undisturbed, suggesting that the ice sheet has protected rather than eroded the terrain beneath. Dr. Guy Paxman, the lead author of the study, highlights the enigmatic nature of this sub-ice terrain, noting that its preservation offers a unique glimpse into Earth's geological history. These flat surfaces, which span roughly 40% of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet's coastal region, provide critical insights into the dynamics of ice flow. Understanding their shape and geological features is key to improving our ability to forecast the ice sheet's behavior in response to different climate scenarios. This research not only unravels the mysteries of the past but also equips scientists with the knowledge needed to predict future changes more accurately. 'Humanity's Red Dawn Is Here': Scientists Claim Terraforming Mars Is Now Possible, Unveiling Astonishing Plans for This Bold New Frontier International Collaboration and Methodology This pioneering study is a testament to the power of international collaboration, involving experts from universities and research institutions across the globe, including the UK, Germany, and China. By pooling resources and expertise, the team was able to piece together the jigsaw puzzle of data to reveal the bigger picture of how these ancient landscapes formed and their impact on current ice dynamics. The methodology involved analyzing radar data to map the ice thickness and underlying features. By doing so, researchers could identify the flat surfaces and their distribution beneath the ice. This comprehensive approach not only deepens our understanding of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet but also sets the stage for further exploration. Future studies aim to drill through the ice to retrieve rock samples from these surfaces, providing a more detailed timeline of their history and helping to predict how the ice sheet will evolve in a warming world. 'This Jet Will Shatter Laws of Physics and Privacy': X-59 Sparks Outrage as NASA Pushes Supersonic Silence into Civilian Skies Implications for Climate Change and Sea-Level Rise The implications of these findings are far-reaching, particularly in the context of climate change and sea-level rise. If the East Antarctic Ice Sheet were to melt entirely, it could raise global sea levels by up to 170 feet. Understanding the role of these river-carved surfaces in moderating ice flow is crucial for developing accurate predictive models. As global temperatures rise, the stability of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet becomes increasingly uncertain. By incorporating the influence of these ancient landscapes into climate models, scientists can better predict how the ice sheet will respond to warming and the subsequent effects on global sea levels. This research is a critical step toward a more comprehensive understanding of Antarctica's role in the climate system and highlights the urgent need for continued exploration and study. The discovery of hidden landscapes beneath Antarctica's ice offers a new perspective on the continent's geological history and its implications for future sea-level changes. As researchers continue to explore these ancient terrains, the knowledge gained will be invaluable in shaping climate policy and mitigation strategies. How will this newfound understanding of Antarctica's past influence our approach to addressing the challenges of climate change in the coming decades? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.6/5 (28)
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Researchers unveil precise new tool to study behavior of impending 'Doomsday Glacier': 'Much more complex than conventional models suggest'
Researchers unveil precise new tool to study behavior of impending 'Doomsday Glacier': 'Much more complex than conventional models suggest' Researchers have unveiled a powerful new tool that gives unprecedented insight into the stability of Antarctica's so-called "Doomsday Glacier," the collapse of which could lead to a catastrophic 11 feet of sea level rise, according to Penn State University. "We've seen ice shelves break off, but we've never seen one grow back," said Richard Alley, a Penn State geosciences professor. "This new research indicates that we can predict better the point at which these will break off." "It's helping to establish the early-warning signals," he explained. At 80 miles wide, the Thwaites Glacier in Antarctica is the world's widest glacier. In a groundbreaking study, scientists used NASA satellite data to analyze vertical cracks in the ice. "We know little about fractures, and their behavior is much more complex than conventional models suggest," wrote Shujie Wang, a Penn State assistant professor of geography and the study's lead author. These cracks destabilize the ice sheet and are a precursor to massive ice loss. Antarctica presently loses about 136 billion tons of ice every single year, according to NASA. The Antarctic ice sheet is of special significance because, unlike sea ice, it sits atop a land mass rather than floating in water. When land ice melts, the water flows into the oceans, causing sea levels to rise. If the entire Antarctic ice sheet were to melt, the world's oceans would rise a civilization-altering 200 feet, according to the National Snow and Ice Data Center. If humans continue to release heat-trapping, planet-heating pollution into the atmosphere at current rates, the Antarctic ice sheet could be completely melted by the year 3000, a mere blink in geological time, according to NSIDC. Researchers hope that by better understanding these ice sheets and the fractures that break them apart, humans will be better prepared to deal with the impacts of a changing climate. Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. The study revealed that the Thwaites Glacier, which helps stabilize the entire Antarctic ice sheet, is melting faster than previously believed, largely because seawater has permeated miles into the ice, according to Scientific American. "We really, really need to understand how fast the ice is changing," said Christine Dow, an associate professor of glaciology at the University of Waterloo who was involved with the study, per Scientific American. "We were hoping it would take a hundred, 500 years to lose that ice. A big concern right now is if it happens much faster than that." The best way to reduce the rate at which the Antarctic ice sheet is melting is to significantly reduce the amount of heat-trapping pollution entering the atmosphere. While international, national, and state policies have a large role to play in this process, there are plenty of actions that people can take on the local and community level, such as riding a bicycle to taking public transit,driving an electric vehicle, or installing solar panels on their home. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Solve the daily Crossword
New York Times
07-07-2025
- Science
- New York Times
Map of New Orleans Highlights Sinking and Stable City Spots
Parts of New Orleans, including its international airport, are sinking nearly two inches per year, according to a new study. Wetlands and parts of the city's levee system are sinking, too. The geography of New Orleans resembles a bowl, and it's protected from flooding by a system of earthen levees, concrete flood walls, pumps and canals that took the Army Corps of Engineers nearly 15 years and $15 billion to build. That makes it particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels and other environmental stresses. 'Subsidence can compromise protective infrastructure over time,' said Leonard Ohenhen, an expert on remote sensing at the University of California, Irvine, who was not involved in the study. 'I hope we get more work like this, quantifying subsidence over time in cities.' As levees and flood walls sink, they can crack and accumulate structural damage. They also become shorter, making them less effective against storm surges and rising sea levels. That's a particularly big concern in New Orleans because the Gulf of Mexico has the fastest sea level rise in the country. To assess where and how quickly land elevation in New Orleans has changed in recent decades, the authors of the new study, published in the journal Science Advances, used radar collected by satellites over two time periods, from 2002 to 2007 and from 2016 to 2020. In each period, a satellite passed over the city multiple times, letting researchers compare elevations over time. The later time series included the levee system and wetlands. The researchers then compiled a map showing the land's rising and sinking over time. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Expert warns of alarming new threat to homes perched atop coastal bluffs: 'Waves are going to be hitting further back and with more energy'
Erosion is worsening along the California coastline, significantly increasing the risk to coastal homes. The Isla Vista bluffs are an excellent example of how the eroding shore is affecting local residents. As the KEYT News Channel reported, rising sea levels and warming global temperatures are contributing to California's coastline erosion. The Isla Vista, California, bluffs have typically eroded by about six inches annually in the past. However, current trends could increase the erosion level up to six feet in future years. "Rising sea levels is going to mean that those waves are going to be hitting further back and with more energy over time as the levels of the ocean get higher," said Charles Lester, UC Santa Barbara's Coastal Policy Center director. Along the California coast and many other places worldwide, shifting climate patterns are creating issues for homeowners. For example, balconies of homes along Del Playa Drive in Isla Vista have been collapsing into the ocean. Coastal erosion directly affects homeowners and business owners because it renders land uninhabitable and poses a danger to people. Worsening erosion leads to damaged infrastructure, intense flooding, and declining property values. Unstable coastal ecosystems are more vulnerable to destruction when extreme storms hit. Without stable land to rebuild on, communities struggle to maintain their established way of life. With intense weather becoming increasingly common due to the planet's overheating, coastal areas face even greater risks in the years ahead. In Santa Barbara County, California, an erosion monitoring program is in place to prompt action when buildings become too close to the edge of the cliffs. Meanwhile, UC Santa Barbara is developing a long-term plan to protect the campus' coastline amid rising sea levels. Do you think your house could withstand a hurricane? No way Maybe a weak one I'm not sure It definitely could Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Other potential solutions for coastal areas include dune restoration projects, planting native vegetation near the shore, and building seawalls. If you live near the coast, you can protect your home from rising sea levels and subsiding land by floodproofing or elevating it. You take resilience into your own hands by disaster-proofing your home and becoming more self-sufficient with your power usage by installing solar panels. When paired with backup battery storage, solar panels help you withstand extreme weather without relying on the grid. To get started, consider using EnergySage's free tool to compare solar installer quotes and receive up to $10,000 off your upfront investment. If you're concerned about coastal erosion where you live, read more about critical climate issues like sea level rise and discuss what you learn with others. Heightened awareness about the risks of increasing erosion can help people plan for natural disasters and preserve their lives and investments. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
New report warns that iconic coastal town is at risk of destruction: 'Without action ... impacts will worsen'
A new report revealed that a picturesque coastal town in California is dangerously underprepared for the potential destruction rising sea levels could cause, the Marin Independent Journal reported. Stinson Beach is a small settlement in Marin County about half an hour's drive north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Home to a little over 500 residents, it's known for its pristine white sand beach, which is among the best swimming beaches in the state. But this idyllic town faces some ominous threats in the near future. According to the Marin Independent Journal, a new report found that the town requires approximately $1.2 billion in infrastructure improvements to be ready for the projected rise in sea levels by the end of the century. James Jackson, an engineer with the firm that created the report on behalf of the county, explained to the outlet: "Without action, you know, sea-level rise projections and hazard modeling show that these impacts will worsen. … We're here to understand the full extent of those impacts and develop a plan." Rising sea levels are a direct result of the planet-heating pollution from dirty energy. As critical sea ice is lost because of rising temperatures, the ocean level rises, putting coastal communities such as Stinson Beach at grave risk. Plus, the warmer seas are a perfect breeding ground for increasingly severe extreme weather events. While extreme weather events aren't new, scientists have found that our changing climate is making them more intense and dangerous for communities and the environment. Stinson Beach is one of the most vulnerable communities to coastal erosion in the county. If a projected 3.3 feet rise is realized by 2085, most of the town's properties could be lost. Even a smaller rise of 1 to 2 feet could seriously jeopardize access to and from the community. The report outlined the available options and emphasized the need for flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances. The Stinson Beach Adaptation and Resilience Collaboration is intended to be a blueprint for public education and local action. The widespread adoption of clean energy sources such as solar will help slow the rise and buy more time for coastal towns to prepare. With power outages becoming more frequent, it pays to plan ahead, and solar panels with battery storage offer greater resiliency for the grid. With EnergySage's online service, you can compare quotes for free in one convenient place and save up to $10,000 on installation. Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
