Nature Communications, 18 May 2023
Microscopic fossils from millions of years ago reveal that previous warm periods 2-4°C above today’s temperatures weakened parts of the continental slope around Antarctica, triggering underwater landslides and tsunamis that could occur again in the near future if temperatures continue to rise. Glacier retreat and warm ocean waters deposit unstable layers of sediment on the continental slope that are prone to collapse if an earthquake or similar seismic activity strikes. Sediments cascading to the seafloor can generate underwater landslides that trigger massive tsunamis. With modern climate conditions increasingly analogous to previous warm periods, researchers warn that these landslides pose an increasing threat to coastal populations and infrastructure. These results highlight the importance of developing tools to better anticipate landslide and tsunami risks from Antarctica, and make clear the necessity of limiting future warming to maintain the stability of this polar region.
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