SWAIS2C

SWAIS2C = Sensitivity of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet to 2°C.

SWAIS2C is seeking critical geological records from the sediment deep below the Ross Ice Shelf, to determine how much the West Antarctic Ice Sheet melted during past times when the climate was warmer than present. This information will help us forecast and prepare for future sea-level rise. 

Evidence from Earth’s past offers a glimpse into our future. In the last interglacial period ~125,000 years ago, global temperatures were 1-1.5°C warmer than pre-industrial times, similar to where we're heading in our near future if we do not curb our fossil fuel emissions. 

SWAIS2C aims to answer the key question ‘Does the Paris climate target save the Ross Ice Shelf and limit Antarctic Ice Sheet melt’? To answer this question, we need geological records from the centre of West Antarctica. This will help scientists better project the amount of sea-level rise in our warming climate.