Thwaites Glacier Began Significant Retreat in 1940s, Study Finds

Triggered by a strong El Niño event, the retreat of the 'Doomsday Glacier' highlights the long-term impact of climate events on Antarctic ice stability.

A new study reveals that the Thwaites Glacier in West Antarctica began its significant retreat in the 1940s, likely triggered by a strong El Niño event.
The Thwaites Glacier, also known as the 'Doomsday Glacier,' is crucial for the stability of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet and its collapse could raise sea levels by more than 2 feet.
Researchers used marine sediment cores to reconstruct the glacier's history, finding that both Thwaites and Pine Island Glaciers started retreating simultaneously in the 1940s.
The study's findings highlight the long-term impact of climate events on glacier stability, suggesting that once a retreat is initiated, it can continue for decades.
This research is part of a broader effort to understand the implications of Antarctic ice melt on global sea levels, with scientists from the US and UK collaborating in the International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration.

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