The melting of the Antarctic glaciers significantly decelerates the process of global climate change. This was stated by American scientists who have introduced new variables in the climate model.
Russian experts are stating that the resulting “delay” has to be used efficiently. This is a great opportunity to reduce carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere.
Geologists from the University of Arizona noted that the process of glacial melting hinders the process of global climate change, but at the same time it leads to a sea level rise. The researchers created a computer model, according to which the melting of the ice cover will cause warm equatorial currents to go under a layer of fresh water, because of which they will not be able to generate heat into the atmosphere. As a result, a catastrophic temperature increase of 2°C will not occur in 2053, as mentioned earlier, but in 2065. However, due to the rapid melting of glaciers, the sea level, according to scientists, can rise by 25 cm by 2100, which will eventually lead to the flooding of islands and coastal regions.
Previously, scientists have stated that the melting of the Antarctic glaciers affects only the sea level, and does not affect the climate of the entire planet. In the latter studies, US researchers shed light on the current climate model, taking into account the rate of melting of Antarctic glaciers.
On the other hand, it was discovered that the melting of the ice cover will affect the process of precipitation. The intensity of tropical rains will significantly increase in the Northern Hemisphere, and not in the Southern Hemisphere.
At the same time, scientists argue that as a result of the above-mentioned processes, the ocean’s level will increase additionally by 25 cm by 2100. This is quicker in comparison to earlier forecasts. In total, the sea level will rise by 101 cm.
Russian experts believe that the rise in sea level is one of the most confirmed climate signs about the acceleration of global warming processes.
Nevertheless, according to the expert, it is rather difficult to predict the exact indicators of the increase in ocean level, <b>since in developing models, scientists take into account the factor of human activity, the impact of which is difficult to assess in the long term.</b>
Gulev added that the consequences of the increase of sea level will be felt, first of all, by the population of the islands and coastal states. And at the moment, the Singapore government is already alarmed by the rising sea level, which is able to erode their airport, built on a 64 cm high embankment. Local authorities offer either to secure the coast or build another airport somewhere in a safer place.