AI Mapping Reveals Underestimated Meltwater on Antarctic Ice Shelves

New research shows slush accounts for 57% of meltwater, impacting ice shelf stability and sea level predictions.

Researchers used AI to map slush on 57 Antarctic ice shelves from 2013 to 2021.
Slush absorbs more solar heat than ice or snow, leading to increased melt rates.
Current climate models underestimate meltwater formation by 2.8 times.
Slush’s contribution to meltwater has significant implications for ice shelf stability.
Findings suggest future climate models need to better account for slush to predict sea level rise accurately.