Ice melt projections may underestimate Antarctic contribution to sea level rise

"We know ice sheets are melting as global temperatures increase, but uncertainties remain about how much and how fast that will happen," said Chris Forest, professor of climate dynamics at Penn State.

IMAGE: THWAITES GLACIER, ANTARCTICA, PICTURED IN 2019

Thwaites Glacier, Antarctica, pictured in 2019. Credit: NASA

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Ice melt projections may underestimate Antarctic contribution to sea level rise

PENN STATE

Fluctuations in the weather can have a significant impact on melting Antarctic ice, and models that do not include this factor can underestimate the global impact of sea level rise, according to Penn State scientists.

"We know ice sheets are melting as global temperatures increase, but uncertainties remain about how much and how fast that will happen," said Chris Forest, professor of climate dynamics at Penn State. "Our findings shed new light on one area of uncertainty, suggesting climate variability has a significant impact on melting ice sheets and sea level rise."

Read more: https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2020-10/ps-imp100920.php#