Erecting artificial barriers on the sea floor could halt the melting of glaciers under water

1

In a stable glacier a natural barrier on the sea bed blocks warm water from reaching the ice sheet’s base

Warmer

water

Ice sheet

Ice shelf

Natural barrier

2

The ice sheet is vulnerable when it grounds on a backwards facing slope. Warm water flowing down the slope undercuts the ice, creating instability

Warmer

water

Backwards facing slope

3

Building an artificial barrier to block the warmer water reduces the rate of melt, allowing the ice shelf to thicken and advance

Artificial barrier

blocks warmer water

4

If the shelf advances and thickens enough to reground on the artificial barrier the glacier can start to regain mass

Ice shelf regrounds

on the artificial barrier

1

In a stable glacier a natural barrier on the sea bed blocks warm water from reaching the ice sheet’s base

2

The ice sheet is vulnerable when it grounds on a backwards facing slope. Warm water flowing down the slope undercuts the ice, creating instability

Warmer

water

Warmer

water

Ice sheet

Ice shelf

Natural barrier

Backwards facing slope

3

Building an artificial barrier to block the warmer water reduces the rate of melt, allowing the ice shelf to thicken and advance

4

If the shelf advances and thickens enough to reground on the artificial barrier the glacier can start to regain mass

Ice shelf regrounds

on the artificial barrier

Artificial barrier

blocks warmer water