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New York Post
05-05-2025
- Science
- New York Post
Antarctic ice has made a surprising rebound in mass, scientists say
The Antarctic Ice Sheet (AIS) has shown signs of record-breaking growth after decades of contributing to global sea-level rise — but experts warn this doesn't mean the climate-change crisis is over. A study published in Science China Earth Sciences revealed that between 2021 and 2023, the AIS gained mass at a rate of 108 gigatons per year — a remarkable reversal from the rapid loss seen in previous years. This graph shows the shift in ice mass between 2021 and 2023. Science China Press The researchers analyzed data from the GRACE (Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment) and GRACE-FO (GRACE Follow-On) missions, which measure changes in Earth's gravity field to track ice mass fluctuations. They found that the AIS had been losing ice at a rate of 142 gigatons per year from 2011 to 2020. That accelerated mass loss was mainly driven by the destabilization of glaciers in West Antarctica and the Wilkes Land–Queen Mary Land (WL-QML) region of East Antarctica. However, the recent period from 2021 to 2023 saw a dramatic shift, with ice mass in East Antarctica particularly showing signs of recovery. Notably, four major glacier basins in the WL-QML region — Totten, Moscow University, Denman and Vincennes Bay — had been losing the most mass, with ice discharge and surface melting responsible for much of the loss. But between 2021 and 2023, those glaciers experienced significant mass gain, reversing the accelerated loss they had undergone. Icebergs are shown at the Larsen B Ice Shelf, located in the Weddell Sea, Antarctica. VWPics via AP Images The researchers attribute this rebound to unusual increases in precipitation, which led to an accumulation of snow and ice. This unexpected mass gain temporarily offset global sea level rise by about 0.3 millimeters per year — a small but notable increase. While this development is a glimmer of hope, scientists caution that it may not signal a long-term trend. The Antarctic Ice Sheet, which holds more than half of the world's freshwater, plays a crucial role in global sea-level rise. Its rapid melting has been one of the largest contributors to rising oceans, alongside Greenland's ice loss and thermal expansion of warming seas.
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Antarctica gains ice for first time in decades, reversing trend of mass loss, study finds
The Brief The Antarctic Ice Sheet gained mass between 2021 and 2023, a dramatic reversal from decades of loss. Four key glacier basins in East Antarctica showed significant growth due to increased snowfall. The mass gain briefly contributed to a decrease in global sea level rise, according to satellite data. A surprising shift is underway at the bottom of the world. After decades of contributing to rising sea levels, Antarctica's massive ice sheet has started growing again — at least for now. A study published this week in Science China Earth Sciences finds that the Antarctic Ice Sheet (AIS) experienced a record-breaking mass gain between 2021 and 2023, largely due to anomalous increases in precipitation. The rebound is especially significant in East Antarctica, where four major glacier basins had previously shown signs of destabilization. Big picture view Researchers from Tongji University and other institutions analyzed satellite gravimetry data from the GRACE and GRACE-FO missions, which measure variations in Earth's gravity to detect changes in ice mass. They found that between 2011 and 2020, the AIS was losing ice at a rate of 142 gigatons per year. But between 2021 and 2023, the trend reversed, with the ice sheet gaining approximately 108 gigatons per year — a historic turnaround. That growth was enough to temporarily offset global sea level rise by about 0.3 millimeters per year during the same period. The most notable gains were in East Antarctica's Wilkes Land and Queen Mary Land region, including the Totten, Denman, Moscow University, and Vincennes Bay glacier basins. These glaciers had been losing mass at an accelerating rate from 2011 to 2020 — driven by surface melting and faster ice discharge into the ocean — but now appear to have partially recovered. Scientists warn, however, that this shift doesn't mean the climate crisis is over. The gains were linked to unusual precipitation patterns, which may be temporary. What's next The Antarctic Ice Sheet holds more than half of the world's fresh water. For decades, it's been one of the largest contributors to sea level rise, alongside Greenland's melting ice and thermal expansion of warming oceans. This new period of growth is both a surprise and a reminder of how dynamic and sensitive polar regions are to climate shifts. If similar conditions persist, they could reshape near-term sea level predictions. But most scientists stress the rebound is likely temporary unless supported by larger climatic trends. The Source This story is based on the peer-reviewed study "Spatiotemporal mass change rate analysis from 2002 to 2023 over the Antarctic Ice Sheet and four glacier basins in Wilkes-Queen Mary Land" published March 19, 2025, in Science China Earth Sciences. This story was reported from Los Angeles.
