Beneath Antarctica’s miles-thick ice sheet, scientists have discovered 207 possible volcanoes that could accelerate ice melt and raise global sea levels, according to a recent study published in Geoscience Reviews.
What happened?
Researchers have created the first continent-wide inventory of hidden volcanoes, called “ANT-SGV-25.” By mapping the size, shape and location of volcanoes, scientists hope to better understand how heat beneath the Antarctic ice sheet threatens its stability.
Researchers from multiple universities gathered data from radar surveys, satellite images and early volcanic records to document 207 subglacial volcanic structures. Many gather in West Antarctica.
Lead author Cui Xiangbin told Xinhua News Agency: “Recent studies have increasingly shown that subglacial volcanoes hidden under large ice sheets can change the subglacial topography, promote basal ice melting, regulate subglacial hydrological activities, and ultimately affect ice flow dynamics and ice sheet stability.”
Why is Antarctic ice melting so significantly?
As Antarctica’s ice melts, global sea levels rise. When volcanoes heat ice from below, meltwater forms and acts as a lubricant, allowing the glacier to slide toward the ocean faster.
Higher sea levels threaten coastal homes, roads and drinking water supplies through flooding and saltwater pollution. According to Yale Environment 360, approximately 1.9 million U.S. homes (valued at $882 billion) could be submerged by 2100 as sea levels rise 6 feet.
Coastal flooding hazards such as storm surge, waves and erosion “could cause widespread damage to homes, businesses and infrastructure,” the Federal Emergency Management Agency said.
Previous eruptions have altered the terrain and created risks for communities. A 1996 volcanic eruption in Iceland triggered a sudden glacial flood that was preceded by “an unusual series of” earthquakes, according to a Smithsonian report.
The report notes that gases released by such extreme events cause acid haze, disrupting weather in western Eurasia, the North Atlantic and the Arctic. Some of the effects of this haze include “crop failure, livestock and fish kills, and various diseases, including fluorosis.”
What measures are we taking to combat the melting of Antarctic glaciers?
By building a detailed inventory of volcanoes, scientists can improve ice sheet models and better predict sea level rise. Continuous satellite monitoring and international polar research help track changes in real time.
The World Economic Forum has previously said that while some melting is now inevitable, humans “can still avoid the worst impacts by urgently reducing greenhouse gas emissions”.
Get TCD’s free newsletter for simple tips to save more, reduce waste and make smarter choices, and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD’s exclusive Rewards Club.
