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Antarctica's Hidden Melting Could Raise Sea Levels 15 Meters

1/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Hidden melting beneath Antarctica's ice shelves could raise global sea levels by up to 15 meters.
Research led by Dr. Ben Galton-Fenzi shows Antarctica loses about 843 billion tons of ice annually from warming ocean waters melting below.
This loss threatens ice shelves' stability, potentially accelerating ice flow into the ocean.
Experts say more data are needed to determine impacts on global currents and climate stability.

History

Historical Context

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warned in 2007 that global sea levels could rise by 0.18 to 0.59 meters by 2100 due to climate change, driven by significant ice loss from polar regions. Recent research indicates that Antarctica now loses approximately 843 billion tons of ice annually, raising urgent concerns about flooding risks for coastal cities and global climate stability.

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Story summary

Hidden melting beneath Antarctica's ice shelves could raise global sea levels by up to 15 meters.
Research led by Dr. Ben Galton-Fenzi shows Antarctica loses about 843 billion tons of ice annually from warming ocean waters melting below.
This loss threatens ice shelves' stability, potentially accelerating ice flow into the ocean.
Experts say more data are needed to determine impacts on global currents and climate stability.

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