glacier

The recent rapid retreat of an Antarctic glacier could be unprecedented, a new study suggests, a finding which could have major implications for future sea-level rise.

Scientists were particularly focused on the vital role of Antarctica's floating ice shelves, which act as barriers that slow the flow of glaciers from the continent's interior.

The Southern Ocean's surface water salinity has reduced as a result of increased input of freshwater caused by precipitation and melting glaciers and sea ice.

After the women opened the season on Saturday with their giant slalom on the Austrian glacier, the men battled poor visibility and welcome wintry weather in their traditional curtain raiser.

Their study, recently published in Nature Climate Change, reveals that glaciers will likely reach their maximum self-cooling ability within the next decade.