Major Antarctic glacier at risk of major collapse - is 'past its tipping point'

[David Herron]

Scientists have identified some geological feature in the Antarctic that, combined with already rising sea levels, will cause a sudden collapse sometime in the not-so-distant future. They've identified two specific glaciers in west antarctic that are way past their tipping point beyond which collapse is unavoidable. Their estimate is 50% collapse within the next 100 years.

Collapse of glaciers into the ocean causes sea level rise. The melting of sea ice does not cause sea level rise.



http://www.7gen.com/blog/david-herron/major-antarctic-glacier-risk-...

http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn18383-major-antarctic-glacier...

http://theenergycollective.com/TheEnergyCollective/56558

[Emett]

Oh crap. Portland, OR will have ocean front property and a few interesting islands within the next 100 years, I bet... at the rate were going now anyway. -thanks for your help trying to stop it, David, you do good work! Soot has been a big problem for the glaciers of the world, and I'm sure we can blame the transportation networks of the world for that. Also, more locally to each glacier are the airplanes, jets, helicoptors, and cruise ships that come visiting. Not much alternative to the standard power sources for those, but it needs to be pushed for.

[David Herron]

Isn't Portland well above 20 foot altitude? Sea level increases are supposed to max out in the region of 20 feet. That much sea level rise would mess up the SF Bay Area and make where I live in Mtn View marsh-front property. But I believe Portland is well enough inland to not be at risk.

[Emett]

Well, worst case then... Ha. But the flood plain area in North Portland is mostly only about 10ft... Oh, yeah, I forgot about the draughts and floods they'll be loving us for 100 years from now!