New Antarctic heat maps to improve predictions of sea level rise

Previous calculations of heat from crustal rocks beneath ice sheets and glaciers in Antarctica have assumed constant heat emitted from the decay of radioactive elements such as uranium and thorium. But as Tom Raimondo and Jacqui Halpin explain, these elements vary in concentration which leads to variations in heat released under glaciers and ice sheets. More heat means more melting and more slippage of ice. 

Geologist Jacqui Halpin in the David Range
near Mawson Station in the Antarctica. 

Now a new heat map has been produced for the Antarctic Peninsula and work is proceeding to produce more detailed maps for the entire continent. The added detail, some of which can be obtained from deposits in Australia once joined to rocks in Antarctica will enable more accurate predictions of ice melt, a major contributor to sea level rise.

Listen to this story from the Science Show ion Radio National - “New Antarctic heat maps to improve predictions of sea level rise.”