One silver lining is the implications for sea level rise, projected to be among the most devastating consequences of global warming. Throughout the 20th century, melting glaciers was one of the main causes of rising ocean levels, along with the expansion of sea water as it warms. Like thick syrupThe new estimate lowers the potential contribution of glaciers to sea level rise from about 33 to 26 centimeters (13 to 10 inches). The kilometers-thick blankets of ice atop West Antarctica and Greenland hold enough frozen water to lift oceans some 13 meters. “We generally think about glaciers as solid ice that may melt in summer, but ice actually flows like thick syrup under its own weight,” said Morlighem.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer February 08, 2022 06:42 UTC