Scientists have reported a possible acceleration of melting of Antarctic ice shelves

Antarctica's ice shelves may be collapsing faster than current climate models predict. This is stated in a study published in the journal Nature Communications (NC).

"The processes leading to the melting of ice shelves under the influence of the ocean have not been sufficiently studied, which leads to uncertainty in forecasts of sea level rise," the publication says.

This is the conclusion reached by scientists who have discovered a new oceanic mechanism that enhances melting even in the cold waters of East Antarctica. According to forecasts, by the end of the 21st century, the level of the world's oceans will rise by several tens of centimeters, but with high emissions, it is possible to rise to 5 m by 2150.

It is noted that the key role is played by basal channels — elongated depressions under glaciers up to hundreds of meters deep. Modeling under the Fimbulisen ice shelf has shown that even moderate intrusions of warm deep waters create self-organizing patterns of enhanced melting.

Floating warm waters, entering the channels, enhance the local destruction of ice. This means that even cold and fresh cavities under glaciers can be vulnerable, the researchers explained.

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