Earth Sciences

Seawater oxygen isotopes as a tool for monitoring future meltwater from the Antarctic ice-sheet

H. Kim and A. Timmermann

This research by Hyuna Kim and Axel Timmermann explores the promising role of seawater oxygen isotopes in monitoring Antarctic ice-sheet freshwater discharge and its impact on sea level rise. With findings indicating that isotope signals can provide earlier warnings than traditional salinity measures, this study highlights the need for continuous δ¹⁸Osw measurements to safeguard against rapid ice-sheet loss.

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Abstract

This study investigates the use of seawater oxygen isotopes (δ¹⁸Osw) as a tool to monitor Antarctic ice-sheet freshwater discharge (IFD) and its contribution to sea level rise. Using the isotope-enabled Community Earth System Model (iCESM) with projected IFD fluxes, the researchers found that the anthropogenic ice-sheet signal in water isotopes emerges decades earlier than salinity-based estimates. This is due to the higher signal-to-noise ratio of isotopes and the minimal impact of sea ice changes on isotopes, unlike salinity. Continuous δ¹⁸Osw measurements, particularly in the Ross Sea sector, are suggested as an early warning system for rapid Antarctic ice-sheet mass loss.

Publisher

Communications Earth & Environment

Published On

Jun 22, 2024

Authors

Hyuna Kim, Axel Timmermann

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