Deep-ocean heat has been marching closer to Antarctica, reveals long-term study
A long-term study has revealed that deep-ocean heat is moving closer to Antarctica, posing a threat to its ice shelves. This research, led by the University of Cambridge, utilized decades of oceanographic data to identify the warming trend. The findings indicate that the warm water could destabilize ice shelves, which are crucial for holding back inland ice sheets and glaciers.
- ▪The study shows that a warm mass called 'circumpolar deep water' has expanded toward the Antarctic continental shelf over the past 20 years.
- ▪This is the first time scientists have observed the shift in deep-ocean heat throughout the Southern Ocean.
- ▪The research combined ship measurements with data from autonomous floats to create a detailed record of ocean temperature changes.
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April 28, 2026 Deep-ocean heat has been marching closer to Antarctica, reveals long-term study by University of Cambridge edited by Sadie Harley, reviewed by Robert Egan Sadie Harley Scientific Editor Meet our editorial team Behind our editorial process Robert Egan Associate Editor Meet our editorial team Behind our editorial process Editors' notes This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: fact-checked peer-reviewed publication trusted source proofread The GIST Add as preferred source Bellingshausen Sea, Antarctica, taken onboard the R/V Falkor (too) in 2025.
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