‘Doomsday Glacier’ could swallow major cities a

The Threat of Thwaites Glacier Collapse

Scientists warn that the collapse of Antarctica’s “Doomsday Glacier,” Thwaites Glacier, could cause global sea levels to rise dramatically.

This could submerge iconic cities like London, New York, and Bangkok, putting millions of people at risk. Thwaites alone holds enough ice to raise sea levels by over two feet, but if it triggers a larger collapse of the Antarctic ice sheet, sea levels could rise by up to 10 feet.

Hidden Lakes Accelerating Ice Loss

Research from the International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration (ITGC) has uncovered “hidden lakes” beneath the glacier’s surface, which may speed up its melting. A study led by Professor Noel Gourmelen confirmed these lakes drain massive amounts of water, increasing ice loss.

Gourmelen said, “The sheer magnitude of this lake drainage gave us the opportunity to finally observe and quantify its impact,” and explained that this drainage “momentarily turbo-charged Thwaites’ ocean-driven retreat.”

Rising Temperatures and Urgency

The problem is worsened by unexpectedly high temperatures in the Southern Hemisphere in 2025. Dr. Alastair Graham from the University of South Florida stated, “If Thwaites Glacier collapses, it would cause a rise of around 65cm (25 inches) in sea level,” adding, “This year is really different. It’s very difficult to recover from this in one season. The game has changed.” These rising temperatures may be speeding up the glacier’s melting beyond previous predictions.

A Race Against Time

Though a full collapse could still take decades or centuries, scientists warn that the tipping point may come sooner than expected. If the glacier collapses, it could cause irreversible damage to coastlines, economies, and millions of lives worldwide. The latest research highlights the urgent need to monitor and address this growing threat.