Antarctic glacier sees fastest retreat in modern history, raising sea level fears

A new study found that Antarctica’s Hektoria Glacier has retreated by nearly 50% in just six months — the fastest rate ever recorded in modern history. Scientists warn this rapid melting could have dire implications for rising global sea levels.

Source CNN

The collapse was triggered by warmer ocean waters melting the glacier from below, destabilizing its base and accelerating its retreat. Researchers compared the process to a “domino effect,” as melting ice exposes more ice to warm seawater.

Experts caution that if larger Antarctic glaciers begin to retreat at similar rates, global sea levels could rise dramatically within decades, threatening coastal communities and ecosystems worldwide.