According to scientists who spread in the report, the melting of glaciers in Western Antarctica will continue if measures to restrain global warming are successful. This will lead to additional lifting and create new challenges for many coastal areas.
Researchers claim that they no longer have full control over the process of reducing shelf glaciers. In recent decades, there has been an accelerated melting of ice in the region. The huge ice cover of Western Antarctica, which contains enough water to raise the ocean level by a few meters, approaches a critical point.
The research included computer modeling, which showed that the melting of glaciers in Western Antarctica would inevitably accelerate in the coming decades due to the heating of the ocean. Even in the best scenario where it is possible to restrain global warming within 1.5 degrees Celsius, ice melting will continue.
The leading author of the study, Caitlin Noten, said: "It seems that we have lost control of the melting of the shelf glacier of Western Antarctica in the XXI century." Scientists also warn of the possible consequences for coastal communities and the need to adapt to raising the sea level.
