Ice Gains In East Antarctica Mark Unexpected Reversal After Decades Of Melting

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When the ice of the glacier melts, it increases the flow of water in the oceans. If all glaciers and ice sheets melted, the global sea level would rise by more than 195 feet.
After melting for several years, Antarctica's ice sheet has shown a dramatic reversal between 2021 and 2023. Marking an unusual turn during these years, Antarctica recorded a net gain of 107.79 gigatons of ice per year.
During the time period between 2002 to 2010, Antarctica lost ice at a rate of 73.79 gigatons per year. It increased to 142.06 gigatons annually between 2011 and 2020, according to a study published by Science China Earth Sciences.
However, Antarctica gained ice during 2021 and 2023. The gain was noted mainly in four East Antarctic glacier basins — Totten, Moscow, Denman, and Vincennes Bay.
Before the reported ice gains, these four areas were losing mass due to faster ice discharge and reduced surface accumulation.
What Happens When Ice Of Glaciers Melts?
According to NASA, the earth's water is stored in glaciers all around the world and in both the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets. When the ice melts, it increases the flow of water in the oceans, thus leading to a rise in sea levels.
If all glaciers and ice sheets melted, the global sea level would rise by more than 195 feet (60 meters).
First Published:
May 05, 2025, 11:43 IST

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