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Antarctica Speeds Into Trouble

Disturbing new discovery indicates climate change is accelerating

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 14, 2008 11:35 AM CST
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(Newser) – Parts of Antarctica thought to be unaffected by global warming are in fact melting as the temperature of the oceans rises, and in parts of the continent, annual ice loss has jumped 140% in the past decade, new research shows. Satellite mapping shows change on a previously unimagined scale, reports the Washington Post. The findings suggest a "frightening" possibility of major ice loss at both poles, experts say.

Widespread polar ice melt could lead to potentially catastrophic rises in sea levels. "Both Greenland and the West Antarctic ice sheet are huge bodies of ice which are sitting on land," said the chief of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. "If, through a process of melting, they collapse and are submerged in the sea, then we are talking about sea-level rises of several meters."

A wind generator (L) dominates the skyline of the Australian research station. New studies show that western Antarctica is losing ice more rapidly that expected and the rate of loss has doubled in the last ten years.
A wind generator (L) dominates the skyline of the Australian research station. New studies show that western Antarctica is losing ice more rapidly that expected and the rate of loss has doubled in the...   (Getty Images)
New studies show that western Antarctica is losing ice more rapidly that expected and the rate of loss has doubled in the last ten years.
New studies show that western Antarctica is losing ice more rapidly that expected and the rate of loss has doubled in the last ten years.   (Getty Images)
An Australian research station in Anarctica. New studies show that western Antarctica is losing ice more rapidly that expected and the rate of loss has doubled in the last ten years.
An Australian research station in Anarctica. New studies show that western Antarctica is losing ice more rapidly that expected and the rate of loss has doubled in the last ten years.   (Getty Images)
A King Penguin waddles across the Antarctic ice. New studies show that western Antarctica is losing ice more rapidly that expected and the rate of loss has doubled in the last ten years.
A King Penguin waddles across the Antarctic ice. New studies show that western Antarctica is losing ice more rapidly that expected and the rate of loss has doubled in the last ten years.   (Getty Images)
New studies show that western Antarctica is losing ice more rapidly that expected and the rate of loss has doubled in the last ten years.
New studies show that western Antarctica is losing ice more rapidly that expected and the rate of loss has doubled in the last ten years.   ((c) zutalegh)
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Bipolar Meltdown

A British researcher puts the new stats in context
Times (UK)

Lead researcher explains why this change isn't part of a natural cycle
Globe and Mail

Surge in Antarctic ice loss
The Australian

First paragraph of the journal article
Nature

 
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change • Greenland • Antarctica • ice melt • western Antarctic ice sheet • Nature Geoscience • Antarctic Circumpolar Current • Jet Propulsion Laboratory • Eric Rignot • Rajendra Pachauri • American Geophysical Union

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Greenland, Antarctic Ice Melting Faster Than Expected

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