The Thwaites Glacier has an area of ​​120,000 square kilometers today compared to approximately 192,000 square kilometers in 2010. The rapidly decreasing field is forcing researchers to pay more and more attention to this.

Humanity is in danger

Using a torpedo-like robot to examine it more closely, the researchers discovered that cracks and “ladder” formations were beginning to appear in this critical shelf, alarming signs that it’s undergoing rapid changes due to accelerating climate change.

The Icefin robot descended from a well drilled about 610 meters below the surface. The remotely operated robot collected images and videos, as well as important data such as water temperature and salinity. The robot can swim to different places underwater and collect data from the bottom to the ice.

Icefin robot / Photo: Rob Robbins, USAP

We found that despite small amounts of melting, there is still a rapid retreat in the glacier, so it doesn’t seem like it takes much to destabilize the glacier,
– says Peter Davies, oceanographer of the British Antarctic Survey.

when, if not

Researchers are worried large cracks leading to accelerated meltingthis can eventually cause a split and “ice shelf collapse”.

Despite this distance, the consequences of what happens on Thwaites Glacier will impress everyone.
Davis said in an interview with CNN.

In short, not a question. will collapse Thwaites Glacier and in it, when will it happen. This means that examining the area may allow us to better prepare for an imminent disaster.