How drilling the 'Doomsday Glacier' could save our cities from climate crisis | Global News Podcast

Key Concepts

• Thwaites Glacier: A large and rapidly changing glacier in West Antarctica, considered a keystone in the stability of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. Its potential collapse poses a significant threat to global sea levels.
• Grounding Line: The point where a glacier lifts off the seabed and begins to float, a critical area for understanding ice melt and interaction with warm ocean currents.
• West Antarctic Ice Sheet: A large ice sheet in West Antarctica, largely situated below sea level, making it particularly vulnerable to melting.
• Sea Level Rise: The increase in the average height of the ocean, driven by factors like thermal expansion and melting glaciers, posing a threat to coastal communities.
• Glaciology: The scientific study of glaciers and their related landforms and processes.

The Thwaites Glacier: A Critical Front in the Climate Change Battle

This podcast episode focuses on the ongoing scientific research at the Thwaites Glacier in West Antarctica, highlighting its importance in understanding and mitigating the effects of climate change. The Thwaites Glacier, often referred to as the “Doomsday Glacier,” is a key area of concern due to its size, instability, and potential impact on global sea levels.

The Significance of Thwaites Glacier

Justin Rola, the BBC’s climate editor, explains that the Thwaites Glacier is one of the largest and fastest-changing glaciers in the world. It’s approximately the size of Great Britain or the state of Florida. Critically, it sits below sea level, with 4 kilometers of ice – 2 km below sea level and 2 km above. The glacier acts as a “cork in the bottle,” holding back other glaciers in West Antarctica. If Thwaites were to completely melt, it alone would raise sea levels by 6.5 centimeters globally. However, its collapse would also trigger the outflow of other glaciers, potentially leading to a total sea level rise of over 3 meters. This level of rise would have devastating consequences for coastal cities worldwide, including New York, which is largely at sea level.

The Research Mission & Methodology

Scientists are currently engaged in a decade-long project to understand the processes driving the accelerated melting of the Thwaites Glacier. The latest phase involves drilling thousands of meters below the ice surface to reach the “grounding line” – the point where the glacier lifts off the seabed. This is where warm ocean currents interact with the ice, causing melting.

The research methodology includes:

• Drilling: Using heated water to melt through over a kilometer of ice at a rate of approximately one meter per minute.
• Sediment Core Sampling: Extracting sediment cores from beneath the glacier to analyze layers of sediment and understand past glacial behavior, including previous melting events.
• Current & Temperature Measurement: Assessing the temperature and flow of ocean currents at the grounding line.
• Remote Observation: Utilizing satellite observations to track the glacier’s movement and melting rate.
• Logistical Support: Employing a network of helicopter flights (approximately 40) and boat expeditions to establish research camps and transport personnel and equipment.

Personal Experience & Challenges

Celia Hatton and Justin Rola discuss the extreme conditions and remoteness of the research location. Rola recounts his experience as one of only a handful of people to have visited the front of the glacier, describing it as a profoundly alien and adventurous experience. He details the extensive cold-weather gear required – multiple layers including long johns, quilted trousers and tops, and a $15,000 down coat – to withstand temperatures around -20°C, despite 24-hour sunlight.

Findings & Projections

Preliminary findings from the research indicate that more warm water is attacking the bottom of the glacier, accelerating its melting rate. While scientists estimate that the complete melt of Thwaites Glacier could take centuries (two to three), the process is already underway and poses a significant long-term threat. A glaciologist Rola spoke with acknowledged that the glacier will melt due to the increased global temperature, the question is how long it will take.

The Importance of Planning & Future Responsibility

Rola emphasizes the importance of understanding the timeline of glacial melt to allow for effective planning and adaptation measures. While a centuries-long timeframe might seem distant, he argues that humanity has a responsibility to future generations to mitigate the effects of climate change and deliver a better world. He highlights the incredible human effort involved in the research as a source of hope, demonstrating our collective capacity to address complex global challenges.

Quote: “You’ve changed the temperature. It will melt out. The question is how long will it take?” – Scientist quoted by Justin Rola.

Quote: “There’s a duty to future generations… three centuries sounds like a long time, but actually, you know, it isn’t that long, you know, looking back.” – Justin Rola.

Logical Connections

The podcast logically progresses from establishing the importance of the Thwaites Glacier and the threat it poses, to detailing the scientific research being conducted to understand its behavior, and finally, to discussing the implications of the findings and the need for proactive planning. The personal anecdote of Rola’s visit adds a human dimension to the scientific discussion, emphasizing the remoteness and challenges of the research.

Conclusion

The research at the Thwaites Glacier is crucial for understanding the future of global sea levels and the impacts of climate change. While the prospect of glacial melt is concerning, the ongoing scientific efforts and the potential for human ingenuity offer a glimmer of hope. The key takeaway is that understanding the rate and extent of glacial melt is essential for effective planning and adaptation, and that a collective effort is needed to address this global challenge.