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Dryad

Bathymetry of the Antarctic continental shelf and ice shelf cavities from a 3D inversion of circumpolar gravity anomalies constrained by other data

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Nov 28, 2024 version files 4.45 GB

Abstract

Bathymetry critically influences the intrusion of warm Circumpolar Deep Water onto the continental shelf and ice shelf cavities in Antarctica, thereby forcing ice melting, grounding line retreat, ice discharge and sea level rise. We present a novel and comprehensive bathymetry of Antarctica that includes all its ice shelf cavities and previously uncovered continental shelf areas. The new map is based on a 3D inversion of a circumpolar compilation of gravity anomalies constrained by measurements from the International Bathymetry Chart of the Southern Ocean, BedMachine Antarctica, and discrete seafloor measurements from seismic and ocean robotic probes. Previously unknown troughs with deeper ice shelf cavities are revealed in many parts of Antarctica, especially East Antarctica. The greater depths of troughs on the continental shelf and ice shelf cavities imply that many glaciers are more vulnerable to ocean subsurface warming than previously thought, which will impacts the projections of sea level rise from Antarctica.