Meltwater lakes growing in size and number in East Antarctica
DOI: 10.1063/PT.5.0210041
Washington Post : Based on satellite imagery, researchers have observed a growing number of meltwater lakes forming on top of the Langhovde Glacier in East Antarctica, Earth’s largest ice mass. Stewart Jamieson of Durham University in the UK, coauthor of a study led by fellow Durham researcher Emily Langley, said the number, area, and depth of the lakes appear to correlate with warmer temperatures in the region. The effect is reminiscent of what has been happening in Greenland, Earth’s fastest-melting ice mass. The researchers say the melting could be weakening the ice shelf, which could contribute to global sea-level rise. Although the lakes are not big enough yet to pose a problem, Jamieson said, that could change if warming continues.
