Antarctic Peninsula Mercury Accumulation Doubles Amid Accelerated Ice Melt

Scientists report that mercury deposits on the Antarctic Peninsula are accumulating at roughly twice the rate observed on other continental shelves, a 160% increase since the start of industrialisation. The rise is linked to higher atmospheric mercury transport, expanded open‑water surface due to ice loss, and the release of mercury previously locked in ice and snow.

Separate Brazilian research identifies atmospheric rivers—moisture‑laden air corridors—as the main driver of rapidly intensifying melt in West Antarctica and the Peninsula. These rivers now account for up to 80% of heat events, with extreme temperature spikes recorded in 2022. The accelerated melting threatens major glaciers such as Thwaites and Pine Island, which could raise global sea level by up to a metre, endangering coastal cities worldwide.