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Warm Water Threatens East Antarctic Ice, Risks Sea Level Surge

12/24/2025

Summary

Story summary

In a study led by Prof. Yusuke Suganuma, researchers warn that warm deep water could undercut East Antarctic ice shelves, triggering rapid ice loss about 9,000 years ago.
Warm deep water undercuts ice shelves, accelerating inland ice flow and creating a feedback loop in which meltwater prevents cooler water from mixing.
If the East Antarctic Ice Sheet collapses, global sea levels could rise significantly, threatening coastal cities and low-lying islands.

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Story summary

In a study led by Prof. Yusuke Suganuma, researchers warn that warm deep water could undercut East Antarctic ice shelves, triggering rapid ice loss about 9,000 years ago.
Warm deep water undercuts ice shelves, accelerating inland ice flow and creating a feedback loop in which meltwater prevents cooler water from mixing.
If the East Antarctic Ice Sheet collapses, global sea levels could rise significantly, threatening coastal cities and low-lying islands.