Rising Earth Beneath Antarctica: The Hidden Factor in Future Sea Level Rise

Despite being often perceived as a stationary mass, most solid ground is actually undergoing a process of deformation, sinking and rising in response to various environmental factors. In Antarctica, melting glacial ice means less weight on the bedrock below, allowing it to rise. However, how the rising earth interacts with the overlying ice sheet to affect sea level rise is not well-studied.

The Impact of Rising Earth on Sea Level Rise

In a new study, researchers from McGill University developed a model to predict how these interactions could impact global sea level. The results suggest that if humans can lower greenhouse gas emissions and global warming is slowed, upward shifts in the solid earth could reduce Antarctica's contribution to sea level rise by about 40%, significantly bolstering the best-case scenarios for global sea level rise.

In this low-emissions scenario, land uplift slows the flow of ice from land to ocean, allowing for more of the ice sheet to be preserved. Conversely, if humans are unable to lower carbon emissions in time, ice retreat will outpace uplift, pushing ocean water away from Antarctica and amplifying sea level rise.

The Study's Findings

The study, published in Science Advances, used a 3D model of the Earth's interior to simulate the interactions between the solid earth and the Antarctic ice sheet. The researchers found that the solid earth that forms the base of the Antarctic ice sheet is changing shape surprisingly quickly, with land uplift happening in decades rather than over thousands of years.

The team also performed simulations to capture many possible evolutions of Antarctica's ice sheet and the extent of global sea level rise until the year 2500. The results highlight how complex the relationship between the solid earth and the processes that happen atop it is, as well as the importance of continuing to gather enough data to make prompt and accurate predictions about the future.

Implications for Coastlines Around the World

The study notes that nearly 700 million people around the world living in coastal regions will be most impacted by rising seas due to Antarctic ice loss. Because sea level change will not be uniform, some regions, such as small island nations, will be more vulnerable than others.

Mitigating environmental conditions like atmospheric and ocean warming is a vital issue for society, and individual, national, and global actions can make a difference in what kind of Earth our offspring will experience in their lifetimes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current rate of solid earth uplift in Antarctica?

According to GPS observations, the Antarctic Ice Sheet is currently experiencing a solid earth uplift of about 5 centimeters per year, about 5 times the rate that North America experiences.

How does the study's findings impact our understanding of sea level rise?

The study highlights the importance of considering the interactions between the solid earth and the Antarctic ice sheet in predicting global sea level rise. It also emphasizes the need for continued data gathering and research to improve our understanding of these complex processes.

What can individuals do to mitigate the impacts of sea level rise?

Individuals can contribute to a low-emission scenario by reducing their carbon footprint, using public transport, carpooling, and using energy-efficient appliances. Additionally, supporting policies that promote renewable energy and reducing waste can also help mitigate the impacts of sea level rise.

Conclusion

The study's findings highlight the complex relationships between the solid earth, the Antarctic ice sheet, and sea level rise. It emphasizes the importance of continued research and data gathering to improve our understanding of these processes and to make accurate predictions about the future. Most importantly, it reinforces the need for individual, national, and global actions to mitigate the impacts of climate change and sea level rise.