Why are the Antarctic glaciers in France interested in by scientists?

A huge French glacier floating in the Antarctic waters has raised scientists' concerns, revealing that this river's ice volume is moving more than anticipated. there.

Scientists are concerned that glaciers may melt faster when the climate warms up and there is a significant impact on rising sea levels.

One of the largest and fastest-flowing glaciers in Antarctica named Totten Glacier, is capable of releasing huge amounts of water and scientists are interested in the melting pattern of this river.

Using seismic waves to help scientists see through the ice, researchers have discovered that more Totten Glacier tidal currents appear floating on the ocean than originally expected.

Paul Winberry from Central Washington University spent the summer in Antarctica to study Totten saying: "In some locations, we think there is ground, we have found that this glacier is in a state floating pretty much ice blocks are melting. "

This finding is important because recent studies show that the sub-continental shelf of the River Totten Glacier has been eroded by warm, salty seawater that flows from hundreds of kilometers into the mainland after they pass through the "door. lane "under water.

Winberry said more about this floating glacier ocean is heating up that could help explain its recent melting periods.

He added: "This also means that the Totten River may be more sensitive to future climate change."

Glaciers often form when dense ice sheets move from above to the valleys, mountains and slopes depending on their weight for centuries, moving on the surface of the earth.

They keep most of the earth's fresh water and make a major contribution to the rising sea level as they melt.

According to NASA's supervisor, between 2002 and 2016, Antarctica took 125 gigatons of ice a year, making the world sea level rise 0.35 millimeters per year.

From the air, the contours of the river Totten Glacier are invisible because the entire Antarctic continent is covered with a dense layer of snow and ice.

That's why scientists are determined to find out what's going on under the hidden glacier.

Head of the South Pole Division, Ben Galton-Fenzi, said that the Totten Glacier contained enough ice to make the sea level rise about three meters (9.8 feet) if all melted.

"Since the 1900s, global sea levels have risen by about 20 cm and by the end of the century, the forecast will rise to one meter or more, but this is uncertain so that is why research Glaciers like Totten are very important, "he said.