Daily News Analysis

What is Doomsday Glacier

stylish_lining

Overview:

Unveiling new details about Antarctica's "Doomsday Glacier", scientists have revealed that the Thwaites Glacier has been losing ice since the 1940s.

About Doomsday Glacier:

Thwaites Glacier, also known as the “Doomsday Glacier,” is located in the remote Amundsen Sea in West Antarctica.

It’s a wide and fast-flowing glacier, roughly the size of Florida or Great Britain, and it has been a significant focus of scientific study due to its sensitivity to climate change.

It is one of the most vulnerable and important glaciers in the world in terms of future global sea-level rise.

Satellite measurements have shown that the glacier is losing an enormous amount of ice each year, nearly 50 billion tons annually, contributing to rising global sea levels. The glacier already contributes 4% of global sea level rise.

If the entire Thwaites Glacier were to melt, it could raise the world’s oceans by about 65 centimeters (over 2 feet).

It also acts as a buffer, holding back neighboring glaciers that contain around three meters of potential sea level rise.

A critical concern is that much of Thwaites sits on land that is below sea level, in a configuration known as “marine-based.”

This situation means that as the glacier’s grounding line – the point where the glacier’s ice lifts off the land and starts floating on the sea – retreats inland, it can pass over deeper and deeper valleys.

This process allows more and more ice to discharge into the sea, which might accelerate the glacier’s melt in a phenomenon known as “marine ice sheet instability.”

Cultural Appropriation

Cultural appropriation refers to the adoption of elements from one culture by members of another, often in ways that exploit, disrespect, or commodify the original culture. This becomes particular
Share It

GIAHS Programme and India’s Agricultural Heritage

India, home to diverse agricultural systems, has recently gained recognition for hosting three Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS). This milestone was highlighted by the Minis
Share It

Made in India Label Scheme

The Made in India Label Scheme has recently been supported by a proposed allocation of INR 995 crores over the next three years, a move that highlights the Indian government’s commitment to
Share It

RBI’s 7 Sutras for AI Adoption

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently introduced the Framework for Responsible and Ethical Enablement of Artificial Intelligence (FREE-AI), outlining 7 guiding sutras for the ethical use of
Share It

Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)

India’s fight against Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) has seen notable progress, marked by a dramatic reduction in insurgent incidents and a significant contraction of the Red Corridor. The insurg
Share It

Didayi Tribe

The Didayi Tribe in Odisha has made headlines with Champa Raspeda, a student from the tribe, becoming the first member to clear the NEET 2025 exam. About the Didayi Tribe Location: Th
Share It

INS Aridhaman

India is set to significantly strengthen its strategic defence capabilities with the upcoming induction of INS Aridhaman, the third nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) in its fleet.
Share It

Fast Track Special Courts Scheme

The Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) Scheme, which was introduced by the Ministry of Law & Justice under the Nirbhaya Fund, is an initiative aimed at expediting the trial of rape and child se
Share It

Elephant Conservation in India

World Elephant Day: A Global Conservation Effort On 12th August 2025, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) observed World Elephant Day in Coimbatore, with a focu
Share It

Flash Flood in Dharali Village

The flash flood in Dharali village, Uttarkashi, highlights the growing threat of disasters caused by extreme weather events in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). Factors Driving Frequent Disast
Share It

Newsletter Subscription


ACQ IAS
ACQ IAS