Researchers use deep-diving seals to track melting ice sheets in Antarctica

Hefty elephant seals regularly dive more than 2,500 feet underwater, holding their breath for 30 minutes while swimming in the dark, frigid ocean depths.

This remarkable ability makes these mammals well-suited to collect critical data about deep, warming ocean waters that scientists believe could accelerate the thaw of the vulnerable West Antarctic glaciers. If melted completely, these glaciers, which once included the Manhattan-sized iceberg that broke off the Pine Island Glacier last year, would raise sea levels by some 10 feet, according to the seal-study’s researchers. 

NASA recently confirmed that ice losses in the West Antarctic are ramping up, “probably in response to global warming.” Read more…

More about Science, Sea Level Rise, Climate Change, Seals, and Pine Island Glacier