Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Surge in Geothermal Heat Threatens East Antarctic Ice Stability

2/24/2025

23 2

Summary

Story summary

Beneath East Antarctica's ASB, new studies uncover a surprising surge in geothermal heat flux, hinting at a warmer upper mantle. This unexpected heat could accelerate melting of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet, threatening ice stability and raising global sea levels. Urgent geophysical research is needed to unravel these critical changes.

1 of 1

Story summary

Beneath East Antarctica's ASB, new studies uncover a surprising surge in geothermal heat flux, hinting at a warmer upper mantle. This unexpected heat could accelerate melting of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet, threatening ice stability and raising global sea levels. Urgent geophysical research is needed to unravel these critical changes.