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The New York Times: Unusual teardrop patterns discovered under Dotson Glacier.
Scientists from the University of Gothenburg in Sweden found unusual structures up to 400 meters long, resembling drops, under the Dotson Ice Shelf in West Antarctica. About this reported the The New York Times.
In 2022, the scientific team used a remotely controlled sonar device to carefully scan the lower surface of the glacier. This made it possible to create the most detailed image of the subglacial structure.
It turned out that the base of the glacier is covered with bizarre patterns resembling drops that protrude from the uneven peaks and valleys in the ice. Experts believe that these forms arose due to uneven melting of ice. The water flowing along the lower side of the glacier moved under the influence of the Earth's rotation.
Scientists also found out that the glacier melts most intensively in places where underwater currents erode its base. The researchers explained that cracks in the glacier allow meltwater to rise to the surface, accelerating the melting process.
The Dotson Ice Shelf has shrunk significantly over the past 25 years. Its melting adds 40 billion tons of fresh water to the Southern Ocean each year, exacerbating the problem of sea level rise.
Scientists have expressed concern about the possible rapid destruction of the glacier in the coming decades. This could lead to a sea level rise of 3,4 meters.
