Ice sheets are a key component of the Earth system, with the water generated by ice melting impacting upon global sea level rise, ocean and ice dynamics, and biogeochemical processes. Significant quantities of liquid water are produced and transported at the ice sheet surface, base, and beneath its floating sections, yet there is still no global hydrological budget for Antarctica. Currently there is a lack of data describing the supra- and subglacial hydrological system, and no mechanism in place for continuous monitoring of its evolution. The aim of 4DAntarctica is to develop such a dataset, in order to advance our understanding of Antarctica’s supra- and subglacial hydrology, its evolution, and its broader role within the climate system.
For further information:
http://4d-antarctica.org/
