The continent of Antarctica is well-known for its concentration of meteorites, with over 60% of all meteorite finds originating from there. However, global warming poses a significant threat to Antarctica’s meteorites, according to a new study published in Nature Climate Change.
Using a machine-learning algorithm, researchers simulated how Antarctic meteorites would be affected by various climate scenarios. These meteorites accumulated in stranding zones on the continent thousands of years ago and are now embedded in the ice. They are commonly found in “blue ice” areas, where wind uncovers older ice that appears blue against the white landscape.
Meteorites are highly sensitive to temperature and can be affected by exposure to sunlight. When exposed to sunlight, their dark surface heats up and causes the ice beneath them to melt, causing them to sink below the surface. Researchers predict that under all emissions scenarios, at least 5,000 meteorites will disappear annually. With every tenth of a degree increase in temperature, the loss of meteorites could range from 5,100 to 12,200. Under a high-emissions scenario, 76% of the areas currently covered by meteorites could be lost.
The potential loss of these valuable space rocks would be devastating for space scientists as they contain valuable information about the development of our solar system. Dating back billions of years, meteorites offer insights into stars, planetary formation and even Earth’s geological history. The researchers emphasize the importance of collecting as many meteorite specimens as possible before they become inaccessible due to global warming.
Glaciologist Harry Zekollari led the research at ETH Zurich’s department of civil, environmental and geomatic engineering stressed that efforts need to be accelerated to recover Antarctic meteorites before it is too late. He likened the loss of these valuable specimens to melting glaciers data disappearing forever once they are gone.
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