Though scientists had already expressed concern over potentially irreversible widespread ice melt in Antarctica, a new study paints an even bleaker picture.
According to the Washington Post, authors of a study published in the journal Nature Geoscience indicate ice melt on both the eastern and western ends of Antarctica could induce a massive rise in the sea level. Scientists collaborating on the study represent institutions from nations such as the U.S., Britain, France and Australia.
"It's only one glacier, but it's changing now and it is significant for sea levels globally," study co-author Professor Martin Siegert, co-director of the Grantham Institute at Imperial College London, said in a press release. "The 3.5 meter rise may take several centuries to complete, but now the process has started it is likely irreversible. This is another example of how human-induced climate change could be triggering major changes with knock-on impacts that will be felt globally."
The East Antarctic Ice Sheet has been considered stable in the past, but the study authors noticed considerable thinning during their work.
"The idea of warm ocean water eroding the ice in West Antarctica, what we're finding is that may well be applicable in East Antarctica as well," Siegert told the Post.
Ice melt on both East and West Antarctica could contribute up to 10 feet in the sea level, the researchers found.
"Once a certain region starts to change, the implications for the connected ice are potentially significant," Siegert said in the release. "We are using computer modeling to understand whether changes in Totten Glacier could lead to changes in both adjacent and more distant places in Antarctica. While this work needs to be undertaken, the change at Totten Glacier itself is significant and concerning."
