GoKawiilNew research suggests that Antarctica and Greenland have lost more than 11 trillion tons of ice since the 1970s, and the main driver isn't surface melting.
Polar Ice Sheets Have Lost 11 Trillion Tons of Ice—and ‘Speeding’ Glaciers Are Driving the Loss
Why This Matters
This research underscores that ice sheet loss is being driven more by dynamic processes like accelerating glaciers flowing into the ocean than by surface melt alone, which has major implications for sea-level rise projections. Understanding the true mechanisms behind ice loss is critical for coastal cities and industries planning for climate adaptation and risk management.
Key Takeaways
- Antarctica and Greenland have lost over 11 trillion tons of ice since the 1970s.
- Accelerating glacier flow into the ocean, not just surface melting, is the primary driver of ice loss.
- This finding could reshape climate models and sea-level rise predictions used by policymakers and industries.
Get alerts for these topics