The most vulnerable point in Antarctica

If the Thwaites Glacier in West Antarctica slides into the sea, this has consequences for the entire world. Many coastal cities could flood and entire countries could become uninhabitable. Barbara Barkhausen spoke to several researchers about the developments on the so-called “Doomsday Glacier” with concern. “We already know that the glacier is degrading enormously,” says Keith Nicholls from Great Britain. “The main section of the glacier could already have crossed the threshold of stability.” The latter is also confirmed by the American Ted Scambos. “Ice is not as firm as rocks, for example,” he says. “I don't want to sound depressed now, but it is likely that the glacier is already in the early stages of collapse.” Once the collapse has started, it cannot be stopped.

Antarktisforscher Ted Scambos, University of Colorado Source: Ted Scambos

Thwaites Gletschersystem Diagramm von Ted Scambos Source: Ted Scambos