Antarctica has lost 40 percent of its ice mass in the last 25 years

As the world grapples with the consequences of climate change, from heat waves to wildfires, countries are expected to face additional challenges, such as flooding in coastal areas due to rapidly melting ice sheets. The biggest indicator of this is Antarctica, which has lost a significant amount of its ice mass in the last 25 years.

Glaciers sound alarm

From Leeds University, Dr. A research team led by Benjamin Davison conducted a new study on Antarctica’s ice shelves. Scientists claim that 71 of the 162 ice sheets surrounding Antarctica decreased in volume by 40 percent in 25 years from 1997 to 2021, releasing a net 7.5 trillion tons of meltwater into the oceans.

The findings revealed that almost all ice shelves on the western side of Antarctica have experienced a reduction in size. In contrast, most of the ice shelves on the eastern side either remained stable or expanded in volume. Scientists estimate that approximately 67 trillion tons of ice has melted and mixed into ocean waters in the last 25 years. During the same period, 59 trillion tons of ice were added to the ice shelves. Therefore, as we mentioned above, the net loss is 7.5 trillion tons of water.

Affects the ocean ecosystem

Various factors affect the melting of these layers. The natural currents of ocean waters also have a significant impact on this, but Dr. Davison also blames ice loss on human activities that cause global warming. The team examined more than 100,000 satellite radar images to estimate ice shelf loss in Antarctica. Data were mainly collected from CryoSat-2 and Sentinel-1 satellites. As a result of the study, it was warned that the melting of ice shelves could be disastrous for the continental ice system and global circulation. Because ice shelves melting and mixing with the ocean as fresh water may be weakening the ocean circulation system.

It was also found that over a 25-year period, approximately 66.9 trillion tons of this freshwater entered the Southern Ocean around Antarctica. This event, which causes dilution in the Southern Ocean, directly weakens the ocean circulation system. This “wear and tear” in the oceans and poles causes negative effects on the climate. Professor Anna Hogg, from the University of Leeds, said: “This is further evidence that Antarctica is changing as the climate warms. “This study provides a key benchmark for seeing other changes that may occur as the climate warms.” said.