'Threat from below': Stuck glider accidentally finds what has been killing Antarctica for the past 45 years
Produced by: Mohsin Shaikh
Ocean Heat Surge
New research reveals how warming ocean waters are accelerating melt rates under Antarctica’s Ross Ice Shelf, signaling a worrying trend for global sea levels (University of East Anglia).
Accidental Discovery
When the Seaglider "Marlin" got stuck beneath the ice shelf, it unintentionally captured rare data on ocean warming and melting, offering insights scientists could only dream of.
Warm Water Intrusion
The team found a 50-meter layer of “warm” water, slightly above freezing, entering under the Ross Ice Shelf, which was enough to drive melting from below (Science Advances).
Ekman Currents
Wind-driven currents known as Ekman currents were found to transport surface heat directly beneath the ice shelf, rapidly melting the ice from below, explained lead author Dr. Peter Sheehan.
Heat Rise Record
Dr. Sheehan’s analysis found that oceanic heat transported into the ice cavity has been steadily increasing over the past 45 years, a trend closely tied to climate change.
Melting Impact
Though melting floating ice does not directly raise sea levels, thinning ice shelves accelerate land ice flow into the sea, hastening global sea-level rise, per the study.
Wind-Driven Melting
Ekman currents, driven by specific wind patterns, are transporting more heat as ocean temperatures rise, intensifying melt rates under the ice (Prof. Karen Heywood).
Climate Model Gaps
Scientists stress that Ekman heat dynamics must be added to climate models to account for this heat influx, which reshapes predictions on Antarctic ice loss and sea-level rise.
Funding Partners
Supported by the UK Natural Environment Research Council, US National Science Foundation, and the EU Horizon 2020 program, this study sheds light on long-term warming trends affecting Earth’s climate future.