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Expedition Reveals Thwaites Glacier Melting at Alarming Rate

1/14/2026

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Summary

Story summary

An Antarctic expedition team reached Thwaites Glacier aboard the icebreaker Araon to drill into its surface and study its rapid melting.
Dominic O’Rourke, a helicopter pilot, attempted to move the team to the site.
He returned due to poor visibility.
Later, he flew with a photographer and another team member to survey the glacier.
The flight revealed icebergs moving toward the sea at over 20 feet per day, underscoring urgency.

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Story summary

An Antarctic expedition team reached Thwaites Glacier aboard the icebreaker Araon to drill into its surface and study its rapid melting.
Dominic O’Rourke, a helicopter pilot, attempted to move the team to the site.
He returned due to poor visibility.
Later, he flew with a photographer and another team member to survey the glacier.
The flight revealed icebergs moving toward the sea at over 20 feet per day, underscoring urgency.