The Thwaites Glacier, often called the “Doomsday Glacier,” is a massive and unstable ice formation in West Antarctica, posing one of the greatest threats to global sea levels. Scientists predict that its collapse, which could happen within the next 200 years, would lead to catastrophic consequences, potentially raising sea levels by two to three meters.
▬Contents of this video▬
00:00 – Intro
00:31 – What is the Thwaites Glacier?
02:11 – The Science Behind the Glacier’s Potential Collapse
04:21 – Timeline: When Will the Collapse Happen?
06:13 – Global Impact: What Happens if Thwaites Glacier Collapses?
08:16 – The Role of Climate Change
11:08 – Outro
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The glacier’s instability is primarily due to warm ocean currents eroding its base, thinning the ice shelf that holds it back, and causing the grounding line to retreat. This retreat could trigger a runaway feedback loop, accelerating the glacier’s collapse. If Thwaites disintegrates, the impact would be felt worldwide. Coastal cities would experience severe flooding, leading to the displacement of millions and the loss of critical infrastructure. Entire regions could become uninhabitable, creating economic devastation on a global scale. Additionally, the disruption of ocean currents caused by the melting glacier would trigger extreme weather events and have wide-reaching effects on global climate patterns. The role of climate change in this process is undeniable, as rising global temperatures and warmer oceans are driving the glaciers toward collapse.
Scientists are racing to understand the glacier’s behavior through extensive research efforts, using advanced technologies like satellites and underwater robots to monitor the changes occurring both above and below the ice. However, options for preventing its collapse are limited, with theoretical geoengineering solutions remaining untested. The focus remains on reducing carbon emissions and mitigating climate change, which could slow the glacier’s demise and avoid the worst-case scenario. Despite the uncertainty around the exact timing, it is clear that the collapse of Thwaites Glacier would be a transformative event for the planet, marking a turning point in the climate crisis and urging immediate global action.
Antarctica’s DOOMSDAY GLACIER is About to Collapse