Ice Sheet Collapse addresses the critical issue of ice sheet stability and its profound impact on global sea levels, focusing particularly on the vulnerability of Antarctic ice to climate change. The book highlights how current climate models may underestimate the speed at which ice sheets are disintegrating, leading to potentially catastrophic sea-level rise. One intriguing fact is that ice sheet melt is not a gradual process. Instead, there can be abrupt shifts, with wide-ranging effects on coastal communities and global economies. The book emphasizes the complex interplay of factors, such as ocean warming and ice shelf thinning, contributing to this underestimation.
The book progresses by first introducing the fundamental principles of glaciology and climate science, before diving into the mechanics of ice sheet stability, the drivers of collapse, and potential consequences. Using data from satellite observations, field measurements, and climate model simulations, the book provides a holistic view of the ice sheet system. It also considers the significant role of ocean warming as a primary driver of ice shelf thinning and subsequent ice sheet instability. This comprehensive approach makes the book a valuable resource for students, researchers, policymakers, and anyone seeking a better understanding of ice sheet dynamics, climate change, and environmental policy.
