International researchers utilized an unmanned submarine named “Ran” to explore the Dotson Ice Shelf in West Antarctica, mapping its complex underwater terrain for the first time. Over 27 days, Ran traveled more than 1,000 kilometers under the glacier, providing insights into ice melting patterns important for assessing future sea level rise. The mission revealed surprising features beneath the ice, including irregular surfaces resembling dunes and intricate water flow patterns, challenging previous scientific understanding of glacier dynamics.
The exploration, part of the TARSAN project, aimed to deepen knowledge of processes affecting glaciers like the Thwaites “Doomsday Glacier.” While the melting of ice shelves does not directly raise sea levels, it accelerates the flow of glaciers, leading to instability and increased sea-level rise. Despite capturing valuable data, researchers found gaps in existing models that needed further investigation. They plan to continue their work in early 2024, emphasizing the urgency of understanding these changes amid the climate crisis. The findings were published in the journal Science Advances.
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