Reducing the rate of sea level rise by slowing glacial motion
Glacial melt is a tipping point that could irreversibly damage the climate system. This projects aims to evaluate the potential of basal anchoring – an experiential method to reduce glacial motion by increasing friction between ice and the ground below. Inspired by natural events like the Kamb Ice Stream, which was anchored to the ground after losing a fraction of its basal water over 200 years ago, the researchers hope to establish a proof-of-concept field test in Alaska. The field test design will be co-developed with Indigenous communities to ensure ethical, socially-acceptable testing. The long-term goal is to determine whether this technique could be scaled to slow the flow of large Antarctic glaciers and help mitigate sea level rise.