Radical idea to protect 'doomsday' Thwaites Glacier with 62-mile long curtain divides scien

[Social Media]

 

The Thwaites Glacier in Antarctica, often dubbed the "doomsday" glacier due to its potential to significantly raise sea levels, has become a focal point of concern for scientists worldwide. As the glacier continues to melt, contributing to approximately 4% of global sea-level rise, experts are exploring innovative strategies to mitigate its decline.

 

Among these strategies is a radical proposal put forth by glaciologist John Moore from Lapland University. Moore suggests the construction of a massive underwater curtain spanning 62 miles to shield the Thwaites Glacier from warm water currents that erode its base. This concept, while intriguing, has sparked intense debate within the scientific community, with opinions divided on its feasibility and efficacy.

 

 

Proponents of the curtain argue that it presents a highly aspirational solution that could potentially slow the glacier's melt rate. However, skeptics, including Martin Siegert from Exeter University, dismiss such geoengineering concepts as impractical and costly. Siegert warns that these ideas could cause irreparable damage to natural ecosystems and divert resources from more urgent climate action efforts.

 

Dr. Bethan Davies from Newcastle University highlights the monumental challenges of constructing such infrastructure in the harsh polar environment, emphasizing the astronomical difficulties involved. Similarly, Dr. Robert Larter from the British Antarctic Survey cautions against viewing these schemes as a panacea, noting that they may only delay inevitable changes while detracting from the crucial task of addressing the root causes of climate change.

 

Despite these reservations, proponents like Dr. Shaun Fitzgerald from Cambridge University advocate for further research into these ideas to inform future decision-making. Fitzgerald stresses the importance of understanding the potential risks and impacts on ecosystems associated with such interventions.

 

While acknowledging that solutions like the underwater curtain may serve as temporary measures, Dr. Fitzgerald underscores the pressing need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to address the underlying climate crisis. He urges a comprehensive approach that combines both mitigation and adaptation strategies to safeguard vulnerable regions like Antarctica.

 

Amidst the ongoing debate, Dr. Peter Irvine, a lecturer in climate change, argues for the exploration of innovative interventions given the urgent threat of sea-level rise. Dr. Marilena Oltmanns, a research scientist at the National Oceanography Centre, describes the proposal as a "highly aspirational and enthralling undertaking" with the potential to mitigate one mechanism of ice melt.

 

In conclusion, while the concept of deploying a massive underwater curtain to protect the Thwaites Glacier is contentious and faces numerous challenges, it underscores the importance of innovative thinking in addressing the complex challenges of climate change. As scientists continue to explore and debate potential solutions, the need for concerted global action to mitigate climate impacts remains paramount.

 

09.03.24

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[thaibeachlovers]

On 3/9/2024 at 10:51 AM, Social Media said:

In conclusion, while the concept of deploying a massive underwater curtain to protect the Thwaites Glacier is contentious and faces numerous challenges, it underscores the importance of innovative thinking in addressing the complex challenges of climate change. As scientists continue to explore and debate potential solutions, the need for concerted global action to mitigate climate impacts remains paramount.

Speaking as one that actually lived and worked in Antarctica ( outside, not hiding inside a nice warm base ) IMO the idea of a "curtain" is barking.

Most scientists only go there in the summer, and vanish back to wherever they came from in the winter.

IMO the scientist concerned in the OP smoked a bit too much of the funny stuff while down there ( there was no shortage of it while I was there ).

On 3/9/2024 at 10:51 AM, Social Media said:

Siegert warns that these ideas could cause irreparable damage to natural ecosystems

Siegert seems to have his brain engaged.