Plan to Build Big Ice Wall to Save Doomsday Glacier

Some scientists have a new idea to build a large wall in the ocean to protect a big glacier in Antarctica called the Doomsday Glacier. This glacier is melting fast and could cause sea levels to rise a lot. The wall would cost $80 billion and aims to block warm water from reaching the ice.
By Newsroom | Environment, Science |

A significant scientific proposal has emerged suggesting the construction of a massive underwater barrier, an $80 billion endeavor, aimed at safeguarding Antarctica's Thwaites Glacier, often referred to as the "Doomsday Glacier." The potential collapse of this glacier carries the risk of raising global sea levels by over two feet, a prospect that has prompted this innovative but potentially controversial plan.

The $80 billion mission to save the Doomsday Glacier: Scientists reveal wacky plan to build a 50-mile WALL around Thwaites to stop it collapsing and raising global sea levels by 2ft - 1

The Thwaites Glacier, a colossal mass of ice comparable in size to the United Kingdom, holds enough freshwater to cause a substantial global sea level increase. Recent scientific efforts have focused on deploying sensors around the glacier to better understand its instability. This endeavor has been met with divergent opinions within the scientific community, with some characterizing the proposals as unrealistic while others argue that inaction may violate international environmental agreements.

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The $80 billion mission to save the Doomsday Glacier: Scientists reveal wacky plan to build a 50-mile WALL around Thwaites to stop it collapsing and raising global sea levels by 2ft - 2

The Seabed Curtain Proposal

The core of the proposed solution is a structure dubbed the "Seabed Curtain." This barrier would be anchored in front of the glacier's most vulnerable points. Its primary function would be to obstruct the flow of warm ocean currents that are contributing to the glacier's rapid melting and retreat.

The $80 billion mission to save the Doomsday Glacier: Scientists reveal wacky plan to build a 50-mile WALL around Thwaites to stop it collapsing and raising global sea levels by 2ft - 3

  • The estimated cost of this ambitious project is $80 billion.

  • The "Seabed Curtain" is designed to prevent warm currents from reaching the ice face.

  • Such a barrier could potentially halt the glacier's retreat and mitigate the feared consequences of global warming.

Scientific Debate and Environmental Considerations

The proposal to construct a large-scale intervention like the Seabed Curtain has ignited debate among scientists. While some researchers believe such projects are essential to combat the escalating threat of sea-level rise, others express skepticism regarding their feasibility and potential unintended consequences.

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The $80 billion mission to save the Doomsday Glacier: Scientists reveal wacky plan to build a 50-mile WALL around Thwaites to stop it collapsing and raising global sea levels by 2ft - 4

  • Some scientists view polar geoengineering projects with caution, often characterizing them as misguided.

  • Conversely, proponents argue that allowing Thwaites Glacier to collapse could be seen as a violation of the environmental preservation clauses within the Antarctic Treaty System.

Potential Impact of Thwaites Glacier Collapse

The implications of Thwaites Glacier's destabilization are far-reaching. Its melting is a key indicator of the broader impacts of climate change on polar ice sheets.

  • Thwaites Glacier stores enough ice to raise global sea levels by approximately 2.1 feet (65 cm).

  • The collapse of this glacier could trigger further instability in neighboring ice formations.

Expert Analysis

"It is delusional." - [Attributed Scientist, Article 1]

This sentiment reflects a segment of the scientific community's skepticism towards geoengineering solutions. However, counterarguments suggest that failing to act might carry its own set of ethical and environmental violations.

Conclusion

The proposal for an $80 billion Seabed Curtain to protect the Thwaites Glacier represents a significant and costly attempt to address a pressing environmental threat. The project aims to physically block warm ocean currents, thereby slowing the glacier's melt. While the initiative has generated enthusiasm among some, it has also drawn criticism from others within the scientific community who question its practicality and broader implications. The debate highlights the complexities of confronting climate change and the varied approaches being considered, from direct intervention to policy-driven mitigation. The efficacy and advisability of such large-scale geoengineering projects remain subjects of ongoing scientific scrutiny.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Doomsday Glacier?
The Doomsday Glacier is a very large glacier in Antarctica that is melting. If it melts completely, it could make sea levels rise a lot.
Q: What is the plan to save it?
Scientists want to build a big underwater wall, called the Seabed Curtain, to block warm ocean water from melting the glacier.
Q: How much will it cost?
The plan is very expensive and is expected to cost about $80 billion.
Q: Do all scientists agree with this plan?
No, some scientists think it is a good idea to try and save the glacier, but others are not sure if it will work or if it is the right thing to do.
Q: What happens if the glacier melts?
If the Doomsday Glacier melts, it could cause the world's sea levels to rise by more than two feet, which would affect many places.