An unstoppable sea-level rise of at least 10 feet is feared if a small part of ice at the East Antarctica melts, scientists warned.
According to researchers, a slab of coastal ice at the East Antarctic shore is currently keeping the largest ice sheet, the Wilkes Basin, on rocky ground and stopping it from slipping into the sea. But due to warming oceans, this retaining rim of ice could be lost. Research co-author Anders Levermann said if the Wilkes Basin loses at least 50% of its ice cork, then the meltdown begins. This could mean vast amounts of water will rush into the oceans for centuries, raising global sea levels by at least 10 feet or 300 to 400 centimeters.
Scientists admitted that they have overrated the stability of the eastern part of Antarctica. Matthias Mengel of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Research in Germany and lead author of the study, said the East Antarctic ice sheet has been considered to be stable even under a warmer climate, compared to its West Antarctic counterpart. But their new research has shown that this may not be true now.
Computer simulations done of the region have shown that it's going to take at least 5,000 years for the basin to release water completely. However, once it started, Wilkes Basin would continue to spill water even if global warming is stopped.
Source : http://www.techsonia.com/ice-melt-in-antarctica-could-lead-to-global-sea-level-rise-of-at-least-10-feet/195903/
