Tag Archives: doomsday

Imminent Collapse of Doomsday Glacier’s Massive Ice Shelf: What You Need to Know

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The South Korean icebreaker “Araon” navigates through sea ice near the Thwaites Glacier in January 2026.

Chang W. Lee/New York Times/Redux/eyevine

The front ice shelf of Thwaites Glacier is on the brink of collapse, increasing the instability of Antarctica’s most vulnerable glacier.

“Its imminent demise could occur suddenly, and to clarify, we are preparing an ‘obituary’ press release,” states Rob Larter from the British Antarctic Survey.

Thwaites Glacier, often referred to as the ‘Doomsday Glacier’, is approximately the size of the United Kingdom, rapidly shrinking and currently contributing to around 4% of global sea level rise. Furthermore, its collapse might instigate a domino effect across the West Antarctic ice sheet, leading to an alarming 3.3 meters of sea level rise and reshaping coastlines globally.

Numerous glaciers in Antarctica have ice shelves that float into the ocean, aiding the flow of ice from the continent. This includes the Eastern Thwaites Ice Shelf (TEIS), roughly the size of Greater London (1,500 square kilometers) and boasting a thickness of 350 meters. Recent satellite imagery reveals troubling indications that this ice shelf may soon become detached, with some experts asserting that this separation has already commenced.

“Suddenly, extensive areas were torn apart,” remarks Christian Wilde from the University of Innsbruck, Austria. “It resembles a shattered windshield.”

Significant cracks have emerged around the pinning points (the sections where the floating ice shelf is secured by underwater ridges) and along the grounding line, the area where the glacier transitions into the ocean and begins to float.

“It’s dramatic. I visited in 2019 or 2020, and now when I look at the satellite image, I can’t identify that ledge. There’s a considerable notch where there was none before,” comments Karen Alley, a professor at the University of Manitoba in Canada, who is examining how this divide might progress.

The primary cause of these changes is shifts in ocean circulation, which have led to the melting and thinning of the ice. Additionally, alterations in ice flow dynamics mean the shelf is colliding with stable points, causing fractures. “We’re transitioning from a robust, thick ice shelf anchored at specific points to a weakened, thinner ice shelf that’s disintegrating,” Alley explains.

The disappearance of ice shelves is also evident in the speed at which they flow. “From January 2020 to January 2026, the ice flow has tripled to over 2,000 meters per year, which is alarming,” Wilde states. This trend has intensified in the last five months. “We’re essentially in a state of free fall at this point.”

Simultaneously, fresh cracks are appearing along the grounding line. “These have emerged in the past few years as shelf displays have significantly accelerated,” comments Ted Scambos from the University of Colorado Boulder. This indicates that ice shelves are being pulled away from glaciers.

Predicting the exact moment of final breakup is exceedingly complex. “Forecasting ice shelf rupture is akin to predicting earthquakes,” Larter explains. “We recognize an event is in motion, but timing is reliant on unpredictable processes. The next satellite image we receive may reveal ice shelf collapse, but the same could be true next year.”

However, don’t expect a colossal iceberg to float into the ocean immediately. Due to the area’s geography, any detached ice is likely to remain in proximity, and, since TEIS is already so fractured, significant breaks are improbable.

While the dramatic collapse of giant icebergs often captures headlines, glaciologists emphasize that the primary concern lies in the diminishing strength of the ice shelf. Wilde remarks that the shelf is “effectively gone” when it ceases to impede the upstream flow. This results in a quicker movement of glaciers into the ocean.

In an upcoming study, Wilde and colleagues revealed that from January 2020 to 2026, the ice flow of glaciers previously supported by TEIS increased by roughly 33 percent. “There is evident proof that there is little to no buttressing in this region anymore,” he states. This reduction has effectively led to the collapse of the ice shelf.

This poses significant implications for future global sea levels. “Increased ice movement from Antarctica means more ice entering the ocean, contributing to rising sea levels,” Scambos notes, emphasizing that while this is not an immediate crisis, it will slowly unfold, affecting future sea levels over decades. “This will influence how Thwaites evolves and potentially contributes to 10 to 20 percent of future sea level rise.”

By 2067, Thwaites may lose approximately 190 gigatonnes of ice annually according to a January study by Daniel Goldberg from the University of Edinburgh and colleagues. This marks a 30 percent increase over current glacier losses, equating to the total ice currently lost from Antarctica.

While ice shelf break-offs are normal in polar cycles, current loss trends are alarming. “Since the 1990s, we’ve observed increasing instability in ice shelves,” Alley states. Notably, the adjoining Pine Island Glacier is also undergoing rapid changes, and its ice shelf is collapsing.

“Ice shelves remain stable primarily in extremely cold conditions,” Alley adds. “Both ocean and atmospheric temperatures must be low. However, as we warm the planet, we observe the corresponding loss of ice shelves, which is precisely what’s expected.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Introducing the Billionaire’s Unconventional and Lavish Doomsday Bunker

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Have you ever considered what your doomsday plan would entail? If not, you’re not alone. While most people are more concerned with what’s for dinner tomorrow than surviving the apocalypse, billionaires have already thought ahead.

Instead of spending millions on extending their lifespans, reversing aging, or planning space trips, the ultra-rich are now investing in giant underground shelters to prepare for the end of the world. These luxurious bunkers offer comfortable living conditions below the surface, away from the chaos above.

While doomsday bunkers are not a new concept, recent trends show that billionaire bunkers are becoming increasingly extravagant. From zombie-proof fire moats to 10-car garages, these shelters cater to the highest levels of luxury. It seems fitting, considering they will likely be located underground.

But what exactly are the ultra-rich preparing for? And what do these apocalyptic shelters look like?

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What are they preparing for?

Once seen as odd and paranoid, those who invest in shelters now have valid concerns about the future. The rise of artificial intelligence, pandemics, and global warming has instilled fear in many, even among the wealthiest individuals.

According to Douglas Rushkoff, a billionaire and writer who focuses on doomsday scenarios, the ultra-rich are not driven by fear but by desire. They see isolation in space stations or underground shelters as a reward for their accomplishments. It’s about winning the game of life and building the best shelter, not merely preparing for worst-case scenarios.

What do these bunkers look like?

End-of-life shelters come in various sizes, luxury levels, and features. Some are as small as a single room, while others resemble small apartments with amenities like garages, gyms, and saunas. The top-tier bunkers designed for billionaires include added rooms, tanks, and other necessary items, driving up prices significantly.

For many wealthy individuals, owning an island with a grand mansion on the surface conceals a maze of rooms underground for emergency situations. These bunkers serve as highly secure vacation homes with additional features for survival.

Will we all soon have bunkers?

While shelters were once exclusive to the ultra-rich and paranoid, the trend is shifting. Newer firms offer shelter options for a broader demographic, making it more accessible to average individuals. Popular group bunkers reminiscent of games like Fallout are also on the rise, accommodating large groups at a fraction of the cost of individual bunkers.

Architect Dante Vicino describes these group bunkers as underground cruise ships, with private and communal spaces for residents to gather, eat, and relax together. While luxury shelters may offer comfort during doomsday scenarios, building connections with neighbors and forming a community may be a more realistic survival strategy.

About our experts

Douglas Rushkoff is a writer and documentarian who has researched billionaire behavior and attitudes regarding doomsday scenarios.

Dante Vicino is the project lead at Vivos, a doomsday shelter company specializing in affordable alternatives.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

The “doomsday glacier” is melting at an alarming rate, putting Earth’s largest city in danger of flooding

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Considered one of West Antarctica’s most infamous glaciers, the “doomsday glacier” has earned its nickname due to the potentially significant rise in sea levels it could cause, ultimately reshaping coastlines. This glacier, known as Thwaites Glacier, is massive, the size of England and spanning 120km wide. It extends from the peak of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet to the Amundsen Sea, where it reaches out onto an ice shelf.

Unfortunately, Thwaites Glacier is experiencing troubling changes, with a notable increase in ice loss over recent years as a consequence of climate change. The rate of ice loss has doubled in the past 30 years due to rising ocean temperatures, which lead to the melting of the ocean floor beneath the glacier. Warm water is being transported towards Thwaites, particularly deep below the ocean surface, contributing to this rapid ice loss. The land beneath West Antarctic glaciers is below sea level, and the sloping ocean floor means warmer waters can intrude underneath, eroding the glaciers and making them less stable.

A recent study revealed that Thwaites Glacier may be more susceptible than previously believed, with seawater surging beneath it for kilometers. The melting of glaciers, including Thwaites, could result in a significant rise in sea levels, potentially impacting coastal areas worldwide. Additionally, the collapse of Thwaites could trigger nearby glaciers to follow suit, further elevating global sea levels by more than three meters. This irreversible loss on human timescales would mark a critical “tipping point.”

Scientists are concerned about the potential collapse of Thwaites Glacier, as it could have disastrous consequences for sea levels and climate. Researchers are exploring strategies to adapt to these expected changes and protect coastal regions at risk of submersion. The costs of preparing for rising sea levels are substantial, emphasizing the importance of proactive planning and adaptation. While sea level rise is inevitable, proactive measures can help mitigate its impact and protect vulnerable populations and ecosystems.

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Despite the impending challenges, scientists and experts emphasize the importance of courage and adaptation in the face of climate change. Dr. Caitlen Norton from the British Antarctic Survey stresses the need for resilience and preparedness to address the growing threat of rising sea levels. Adapting defenses, protecting coastal areas, and planning for future changes are crucial steps in mitigating the impact of climate change on coastal regions.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Atomic scientists set the ‘Doomsday Clock’ closer to midnight than ever before

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WASHINGTON – Atomic scientists on Tuesday pushed the “Doomsday Clock” closer to midnight than ever before, warning Russia's nuclear weapons actions amid the invasion of Ukraine, nuclear-armed Israel's war in Gaza, and worsening climate change on a global scale. cited as a factor causing the crisis. A disaster.

The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, as it did last year, set the clock to 90 seconds to midnight, the theoretical extinction point. Scientists set the clock based on “existential” risks to the planet and its people, such as nuclear threats, climate change, and disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence and new biotechnologies.

“Conflict hotspots around the world threaten nuclear escalation, climate change is already causing death and destruction,” Rachel Bronson, the magazine's president and CEO, told Reuters. “Disruptive technologies such as AI and biological research are advancing faster than safeguards.” He added that the fact that there is no change from the previous year “does not indicate that the world is stable.”

A staff member shows the position of the minute hand of the “Doomsday Clock” in Washington, DC, on January 23, 2024. Jacqueline Martin/Associated Press

The Chicago-based nonprofit created the clock in 1947 to warn the public of how close humanity was to global destruction.

Russian massive invasion of Ukraine is set to celebrate its second anniversary next month, and tensions with the West have escalated to the most dangerous levels since the Cold War.

“A permanent end to Russia’s war in Ukraine seems far away, and the possibility that Russia will use nuclear weapons in that conflict remains serious. Over the past year, Russia has sent a number of alarming nuclear signals. '' Bronson said.

Bronson quoted the Russians President Vladimir Putin To be determined in February 2023 Suspend Russia's participation In the New START Treaty with the United States, which limits both countries' strategic nuclear weapons. The United States and Russia possess nearly 90% of the world's nuclear warheads, enough to destroy the Earth multiple times.

Bronson also referenced President Putin's March 2023 announcement regarding Russia's weapons deployment. tactical nuclear weapons Belarusian and Russian parliaments pass laws in October 2023 withdraw ratification A global treaty banning nuclear weapons testing. Russian analyst Sergei Karaganov also spoke last year about the need to threaten nuclear strikes in Europe to intimidate and “calm down” Moscow's enemies.

Israel has so far at war with Hamas According to an Israeli tally, about 1,200 people have been killed since the Gaza-based Palestinian Islamic extremist group launched attacks in southern Israel in October 2023. More than 25,000 people have been killed in the Israeli military offensive, according to Gaza health authorities.

“As a nuclear-armed state, Israel's actions are clearly relevant to the Doomsday debate. Of particular concern is the possibility of a broader escalation of conflict in the region, leading to larger conventional wars and more “It could draw in nuclear or near-nuclear states,” Bronson said.

When watches were first made, the greatest danger came from nuclear weapons. climate change It was first considered as a factor in 2007.

“The world in 2023 has been hit by a major disaster and has entered uncharted territory. hottest year on record And global greenhouse gas emissions continued to rise,” Bronson said. “Global and North Atlantic sea surface temperatures both broke records, and Antarctic sea ice reached its lowest daily area since the advent of satellite data.”

Bronson said 2023 was also a record year for clean energy, with $1.7 trillion in new investment. But this was offset by nearly $1 trillion in fossil fuel investments, Bronson added.

“This shows that current efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while promising, are far from sufficient to avoid the dangerous human and economic impacts of climate change, and that Changes disproportionately affect the world's poorest people,” Bronson said.

The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists was founded in 1945 by scientists such as Albert Einstein and J. Robert Oppenheimer. It relies on a panel of experts in nuclear technology and climate science to set the clock each year. This watch was first introduced during the Cold War tensions following World War II.

Source: www.nbcnews.com