Wilkes Subglacial Basin poses major threat to global sea levels

A new study published in Nature Reviews Earth & Environment warns that the Wilkes Subglacial Basin in East Antarctica could contain enough ice to raise global sea levels by 3 to 4 meters (10 to 13 feet).

Previously, scientists believed East Antarctica was relatively stable compared to the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. However, researchers led by Professor Matt King of the University of Tasmania suggest the basin's geography makes it vulnerable to marine ice sheet instability. The basin is a massive depression in the bedrock, stretching approximately 1,400 kilometers along the inland side of the Transantarctic Mountains, with much of its ice sitting on bedrock deeper than 2,000 meters below sea level.

Because the area is entirely hidden beneath thick ice, scientists must rely on satellite and radar data. Professor King described the basin as ‘arguably the last unexplored place in Antarctica,’ noting a lack of in situ seafloor mapping and limited information regarding oceanographic conditions that could accelerate melting.