Overview

• Radiocarbon dating reveals the West Antarctic Ice Sheet retreated and advanced over thousands of years due to changes in ocean temperatures and Earth's crust.
• Computer simulations suggest that maintaining low emissions can prevent future ice sheet collapse by stabilizing ocean temperatures.
• The Ross Ice Shelf plays a key role in regulating the flow of ice from the Siple Coast, with cold ocean waters currently preventing significant melting.
• Policy debates now focus on whether to adapt to rising sea levels or prioritize cutting greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate further ice sheet melting.
• Researchers stress the importance of continued mitigation efforts to avoid the historical patterns of ice sheet retreat caused by warmer ocean conditions.