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Why is polar science important?
The three fastest-warming regions on the planet are close to the poles: Alaska, Siberia and parts of the West Antarctic peninsula. Melting ice sheets, along with thermal expansion of the sea water, causes sea levels to rise. It is essential to understand the exact contribution made by melting ice sheets to sea level rise. This is a major area of study for NERC scientists.
If the Greenland and West Antarctic ice sheets were to melt completely (which some predictions say is possible over the next 500 years) global sea level would rise by 13 metres. NERC scientists are advising government and its agencies on the likely risk from melting ice sheets, and we are continuing to do new research for better predictions of sea level rise.
Environmental Issues
- Is the planet warming?
- Are ice sheets melting?
- The ozone hole (via the British Antarctic Survey website)