Thwaites Glacier: Eastern Ice shelf could break up within five years

The Thwaites Glacier, also known as the Doomsday Glacier, is a critical ice mass in Antarctica. It acts as a dam, slowing ice flow into the ocean. However, it is currently thinning and developing fractures, which could lead to its collapse within five years. This would release large sections of the glacier into the ocean, significantly raising global sea levels. The glacier's collapse could eventually lead to the loss of the entire West Antarctic ice sheet, causing a 3.3-meter rise in sea levels. The situation is likened to a windshield with cracks that suddenly shatter.

What is the Thwaites Glacier commonly known as due to its potential impact on sea levels?

• The Rising Glacier

• The Iceberg Glacier

• The Doomsday Glacier

• The Melting Glacier

What is currently holding the ice shelf in place, slowing its flow?

• A glacier wall

• A series of fractures

• An underwater ridge

• A mountain range

What is the potential consequence if the ice shelf becomes uncoupled from the ridge?

• The ice shelf will freeze

• The ice shelf will break up

• The ice shelf will stabilize

• The ice shelf will thicken

How much could global sea levels rise if the entire Thwaites Glacier collapses?

• 1.5 meters

• 3.3 meters

• 2.0 meters

• 4.0 meters

What additional impact could occur if neighboring glaciers flow into the basin occupied by Thwaites?

• Loss of the West Antarctic ice sheet

• Stabilization of the ice sheet

• Formation of new glaciers

• Decrease in sea levels