Ice Sheet activity - an interesting possibility
From
Science Daily:
Could Volcanic Activity In West Antarctic Rift Destabilize Ice Sheet?
The West Antarctic rift is a region of volcanic activity and crustal stretching that is roughly the size of the western United States (from Salt Lake City to the Pacific Ocean).
About 98 percent of it is buried beneath glacial ice, up to 2.5 miles thick, and bedrock beneath the ice is 2000--3000 feet below sea level over large areas. All of this makes it a difficult region to study.
It is interesting nevertheless, because volcanic eruptions beneath the ice could destabilize the ice sheet, leading to as much as 25 feet of sea-level rise. How likely is it that this could happen is a question scientists have debated for over a decade. LeMasurier addresses the question by comparing the West Antarctic rift with similar areas of crustal stretching elsewhere in the world.
Looking at Dr. LeMasurier's web page at
UC-Denver, he has his cred.
The Paper is only available to subscribers but the
abstract is here.
Even a few degrees in water temperature makes a big big difference.
Posted by DaveH at March 30, 2008 7:31 PM