Antarctica is losing weight as its ice melts, causing the continent to rise from the ocean due to post-glacial uplift. Research suggests that this process could have a massive impact on future global sea level rise. The rise of the land under the Antarctic ice sheet is happening quickly due to the high level of viscosity in some key areas of Earth’s mantle. Models show that sea levels could rise up to 1.7 meters by 2500 if warming levels are kept low, but could reach 19.5 meters if global warming continues unabated. Managing to slow down the melt could preserve some of the ice for longer by lifting it away from warmer ocean waters.
Different parts of the planet will experience unique sea level impacts due to various factors such as gravitational, rotational, and geological quirks. Low-latitude islands and coastal areas are already experiencing higher than average sea level rise due to Antarctic ice loss, regardless of the ice loss scenario. This highlights a climate injustice towards nations with low emissions but high vulnerability to sea level rise. There is still uncertainty in the model, particularly due to the lack of seismic data from West Antarctica, and the estimates do not include the impact of ice loss in Greenland and other mountain regions.
Current sea level rise is already affecting low-lying islands like Kiribati, where villages are struggling to hold back the ocean with sandbags. Wetlands are also at risk due to rising water levels and human infrastructure. Preserving these ecosystems is crucial as they play a role in filtering water and controlling erosion, which can help mitigate the impact of future sea level rise. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is essential to allowing the rebound of the solid Earth to preserve more of the Antarctic ice sheets and avoid the worst impacts of climate change on global coastlines.
Continued advancements in predicting the effects of climate change are key to understanding and addressing the challenges posed by rising sea levels. The researchers emphasize the importance of making more certain predictions to guide effective environmental policy and protect vulnerable communities. The global extent of sea ice is currently at a record low, highlighting the urgent need for action to mitigate the impacts of climate change. The research on the post-glacial uplift of Antarctica provides valuable insights into the potential consequences of ice loss and the importance of addressing this issue to protect coastal areas and mitigate sea level rise.
