What the collapse of Antarctica’s ‘doomsday’ glacier could mean for the world
The IndependentSign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The massive Thwaites Glacier in West Antarctica contains enough ice to raise global sea levels by 65cm if it were to completely collapse. That’s because the glaciers in West Antarctica could be vulnerable to a proposed mechanism called Marine Ice Cliff Instability or MICI, where retreating ice exposes increasingly tall, unstable ice cliffs that collapse into the ocean. Ultimately, if the ice shelves retreat, it means there is less holding the West Antarctic glaciers back – allowing them to accelerate and add more to global sea levels If Thwaites’ ice shelf did collapse, it would spell the beginning of the end for the glacier. Ultimately, if the ice shelves retreat, it means there is less holding the West Antarctic glaciers back – allowing them to accelerate and add more to global sea levels.