The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Study reveals what lies beneath glacier
Science: AberdeenteamfindsurpriseAntarcticmountains
Scientists from the northeast have carried out the first detailed survey of the landscape beneath the Antarctic ice as part of a major study into global warming.
Researchers at Aberdeen University’s School of Geosciences conducted radar surveys of the land beneath the rapidly melting Pine Island Glacier.
It is the fastest melting glacier in Antarctica and currently accounts for up to 10% of the global sea level rise.
By using snowmobiles equipped with radar sensors, the scientists worked round the clock to carry out the most detailed research into the 1,500 sq km area (932 sq miles) to date.
During the expedition, the scientists found a “surprisingly diverse” mountainous landscape sitting beneath the ice.
The study shows that the diverse nature of the terrain beneath the glacier is the biggest factor affecting the flow of ice across the landscape.
They can now use the data to project the future of the glacier and where the ice is likely to melt from first.
Matteo Spagnolo, from the School of Geosciences, said: “It reveals a fascinat- ing landscape of streamlined landforms, considerably more variable than anticipated.
“These bedforms, which have been the focus of my research for many years, represent a considerable resisting element to, and therefore a crucial control on, the flow of ice.
“Models of ice stream flow should attempt to incorporate the variable topography we have shown to exist under the ice to improve their reliability.”
The study was conducted by Edinburgh University, with assistance from researchers at Aberdeen, Swansea and Exeter universities and the British Antarctic Survey.
It was led by Robert Bingham, who recently moved from Aberdeen University to Edinburgh. The data was gathered three years ago but has now been collated and has been published for the first time.
Previously, only aerial radar surveys had been conducted, which were unable to accurately map the shape of the ice bed.
Dr Bingham said: “Detailed understanding of this diverse landscape, and how that will impact on ice melt from one of Antarctica’s most important glaciers, will give us valuable clues as to how warming in this region will impact on global sea level.”
“Thiswillgiveus keycluesasto howwarmingwill altersealevels”