Antarctic Meteorite Losses Predicted to Reach 76% by 2100 Due to Climate Change

A new study warns that up to 76% of Antarctica's meteorites could disappear from the continent's ice sheet surface by the year 2100 as a result of global warming. The potential loss of these valuable space rocks could significantly hinder scientific research into the formation and history of our solar system.

Meteorites that fall on Antarctica are preserved in the continent's ice, making them easier for scientists to find and study compared to meteorites that land in other parts of the world. However, climate change is causing the Antarctic ice sheet to melt at an accelerated rate, which could expose and degrade these cosmic treasures.

The study, conducted by researchers using a firn densification model, investigated the evolution of total firn air content (FAC) and accessible FAC across Antarctic ice shelves throughout the 21st century. Firn refers to the compacted snow that accumulates on top of glacial ice over many years.

The findings revealed that ice shelves on the Antarctic Peninsula and the Roi Baudouin Ice Shelf in Dronning Maud Land are particularly vulnerable to total FAC depletion. Even under low and intermediate emission scenarios, these regions could experience a 50% decrease in FAC by 2100.

Under the high emission scenario, the formation of ice slabs further reduces accessible FAC on ice shelves with low accumulation rates, including many East Antarctic ice shelves and the Filchner-Ronne, Ross, Pine Island, and Larsen C ice shelves. Ice slabs can lead to meltwater ponding, hydrofracturing, and ultimately, ice shelf disintegration, contributing to increased mass loss from the Antarctic Ice Sheet.

Why this matters: The potential loss of a significant portion of Antarctica's meteorites could hamper scientific efforts to understand the early solar system and the origins of our planet. Meteorites provide valuable insights into the composition and processes that shaped the formation of Earth and other celestial bodies billions of years ago.

The study's results highlight the urgent need for action to mitigate the effects of climate change on Antarctica's ice shelves and the scientific treasures they hold. As the world continues to warm, the window of opportunity to recover and study these meteorites is rapidly closing, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration and support for Antarctic research.

Key Takeaways

• Up to 76% of Antarctica's meteorites could disappear by 2100 due to ice melt.
• Meteorites in Antarctic ice are easier to study than elsewhere, but climate change threatens this.
• Ice shelves on Antarctic Peninsula and Dronning Maud Land are most vulnerable to air content loss.
• High emission scenarios could lead to ice slab formation, reducing accessible meteorites.
• Loss of meteorites hinders research into early solar system and Earth's formation.