Posted 4/8/2024, 3:41:03 PM
Melting Ice Threatens Loss of Antarctica's Extraterrestrial Treasure Trove
- For every 0.1°C increase in global temperature, about 9,000 meteorites disappear from Antarctica's ice sheet surface annually
- By 2050, around 25% of Antarctica's estimated 300,000-800,000 meteorites will be lost due to melting glaciers
- By 2100, up to 75% of meteorites could be lost in Antarctica under high warming scenarios
- Antarctica contains 60% of all meteorites found on Earth, providing unique insights into solar system origins
- Reducing greenhouse emissions is key to preserving Antarctica's extraterrestrial heritage over the long term