Archive · 6 Jan 2026
Hundreds of Earthquakes Detected at Antarctica's 'Doomsday Glacier'
Scientists found hundreds of unusual earthquakes near a big glacier in Antarctica called the 'Doomsday Glacier'.
These earthquakes happen when big pieces of ice break off and fall into the ocean.
The study looked at these earthquakes from 2010 to 2023.
If this glacier were to completely collapse, it could make the sea level rise by three meters.
Understanding these earthquakes helps scientists predict how glaciers might change and affect the sea level.
Hundreds of glacial earthquakes detected at Thwaites Glacier in Antarctica between 2010 and 2023.
Glacial earthquakes occur when tall, thin icebergs detach from glaciers and crash into the sea.
Around 245 earthquakes occurred near Thwaites Glacier's marine edge, likely due to capsizing icebergs.
Earthquakes coincide with accelerated glacier flow, possibly influenced by ocean conditions.
Complete collapse of Thwaites Glacier could raise global sea levels by three meters.
- Who
- Thanh-Son Pham, ARC DECRA Fellow in Geophysics, Australian National University
- What
- Hundreds of glacial earthquakes detected at Thwaites Glacier in Antarctica
- When
- Between 2010 and 2023
- Where
- Thwaites and Pine Island glaciers, Antarctica
- Why
- To understand glacier instability and predict sea-level rise
- Glacier Name
- Thwaites Glacier (Doomsday Glacier)
- Study Journal
- Geophysical Research Letters
- Study Author
- Thanh-Son Pham
- Time Period
- 2010-2023
- Number of Earthquakes
- 360
- Earthquakes at Thwaites
- 245
- Potential Sea Level Rise
- 3 meters
