Wilkes Subglacial Basin research urged to prevent sea level rise

Wilkes Subglacial Basin East Antarctica sea level rise climate change ice sheet melting

Scientists from 14 countries are calling for a major international research effort to study the Wilkes Subglacial Basin in East Antarctica. This vast, largely unexplored region measures approximately 1,400 kilometres by 400 kilometres and contains enough ice to raise global sea levels by up to four metres if it were to melt.

The basin is particularly vulnerable because its bedrock lies as deep as 2,000 metres below sea level. Researchers warn that even slight increases in ocean temperatures could cause the ice edges to melt more rapidly, potentially leading to significant ice loss. Geological evidence suggests the ice sheet has retreated substantially during previous warm climate periods.

Due to persistent sea ice, the area remains difficult to access; no ship has ever come within 150 kilometres of the Cook Glacier. Experts suggest that a comprehensive study would require the deployment of two icebreakers and multi-year research conducted by air, land, and sea to fill critical knowledge gaps regarding the seafloor and conditions beneath the ice.

Entities

Andrew Mackintosh · Australian Centre for Excellence in Antarctic Science · Matt King · Nancy Bertler · Wilkes Subglacial Basin

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] Researchers from 14 countries are calling for an international effort to investigate the Wilkes Subglacial Basin. www.perthnow.com.au
[● 2 SOURCES] The bedrock of the Wilkes Subglacial Basin sits up to 2,000 metres below sea level. eveningreport.nz · www.perthnow.com.au
[● 3 SOURCES] Melting all the ice in the Wilkes Subglacial Basin could raise global sea levels by three to four metres. eveningreport.nz · www.perthnow.com.au · www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Wilkes Subglacial Basin is considered one of the last unexplored places in Antarctica. www.perthnow.com.au
[○ 1 SOURCE] Investigating the region would require deploying two icebreakers and conducting multi-year studies via air, land, and sea. www.perthnow.com.au
[● 2 SOURCES] Geological records indicate the ice sheet retreated significantly during past warm periods. eveningreport.nz · www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz

Sources

Tragedy stopped Mawson exploring this remote Antarctic region. We must get there to study its melting ice [eveningreport.nz]

about 7 hours ago

University Research – Hidden climate risk beneath East Antarctica, new study warns [livenews.co.nz]

about 6 hours ago

Antarctic blind spot emerges as major sea-level threat [www.perthnow.com.au]

about 8 hours ago

Antarctica's unexplored threat - Expert Reaction [www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz]

about 7 hours ago