Scientists recently got their first up-close look at the Thwaites ice shelf in Antarctica, using a 13-foot pencil-shaped robot that swam under the grounding line. The results showed how important crevasses are in the breaking up of the ice, which may hurt the glacier more than melting. This work comes from a massive $50 million international research effort to better understand the glacier, which could cause sea levels to rise by 2 feet if it all melts.

Basal melting is the primary issue for the Thwaites glacier. This is when warmer water nibbles away at the bottom of the glacier and slowly causes it to melt. The surface of the main trunk of the glacier is so disturbed by crevasses that it looks like a set of sugar cubes, making it difficult to observe the melting from below.

The robot was sent down to get a better view of the crevasses and the impact they are having on the glacier. Scientists are hoping that the robot will provide insight into how the glacier pieces are moving and how quickly they are melting. This will help researchers better understand the impact of the ice shelf melt and what steps need to be taken to slow it down.

The researchers hope that their findings will provide the necessary information to help prevent the ice shelf from melting and causing the sea level to rise. With the help of the robot, scientists can now get a better understanding of the ice shelf and its movements, providing them with the data needed to make informed decisions about the future of the glacier.