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Scientists Drill Thwaites Glacier Amid Rising Sea-Level Threat

2/3/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A team of British and South Korean scientists began drilling into Antarctica's Thwaites Glacier to study warm ocean currents melting the ice, contributing to global sea-level rise.
They used hot water to bore a hole through the half-mile-thick ice to install instruments for data over one to two years.
Harsh weather threatens to freeze or bury their equipment.
The work must finish before the ship departs Antarctica around February 7.

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Story summary

A team of British and South Korean scientists began drilling into Antarctica's Thwaites Glacier to study warm ocean currents melting the ice, contributing to global sea-level rise.
They used hot water to bore a hole through the half-mile-thick ice to install instruments for data over one to two years.
Harsh weather threatens to freeze or bury their equipment.
The work must finish before the ship departs Antarctica around February 7.