This Antarctic octopus has a warning about sea level rise

In a DNA study that tracked the movements of a Turquet octopus in the Southern Ocean, researchers found evidence of significant melting of the massive ice sheet in West Antarctica some 120,000 years ago compared to today. Genetic data from octopus shows free movement between seas, suggesting that the West Antarctic Ice Sheet was absent at the time. The finding raises concerns about possible ice sheet collapse contributing to sea level rise. The study highlights the urgent need to address climate change as global temperatures approach critical thresholds.

A study published in the journal Science suggests that the West Antarctic Ice Sheet is at risk of collapse, which could contribute to a significant rise in sea levels. Here's a more detail of the data:

Octopus DNA Evidence:

The researchers studied the DNA of Pareledone turkeda, or Turquet and octopus, a small species of octopus that lives around Antarctica. The Ross and Weddell Sea octopuses are currently separated by the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. Genetic analysis showed that around 120,000 years ago, during the last Ice Age, octopus populations from the two regions intermingled and exchanged DNA. This suggests that there may not have been an ice sheet in West Antarctica at the time, allowing the octopus to move freely between seas.

Last inter glacial period:

The last inter glacial period occurred before the last ice age, with temperatures similar to today's and #039; The sea level was 5-10 meters higher during the last ice age compared to today. The study suggests that the West Antarctic ice sheet may have contributed to the rise in sea level at the time.

Climate change and glacier stability:

Current global temperatures are about 1.2 degrees Celsius higher than in the pre-industrial era, and global temperatures are close to the 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold. If global warming exceeds 1.5 degrees Celsius, this could be a tipping point for the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. The complete melting of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet could cause a rise in average sea level of up to five meters (16 feet).

Uncertainty and turning point:

The study does not predict when the glacier may collapse, but suggests that the Earth is approaching a critical temperature level. Once a tipping point is reached, estimates of complete melting range from 200 to 2,000 years. Human activity can affect the speed of this process.

Comparison with the last interglacial:

The last ice age is a valuable analogue for today's climate change, although the causes of warming are different. Greenhouse gases cause temperature changes today much faster than natural cycles during the last ice age.

Geological models are supported by biological evidence:

Genetic evidence from octopus populations complements the mathematical models that geoscientists use to reconstruct past glaciers and sea levels. Other studies of terrestrial animals and invertebrates have also provided biological evidence of past melting of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet.

Advances in genetic sequencing:

Some of the octopus specimens used in the study were collected more than 30 years ago and kept in museums. Advances in genetic sequencing technology have helped researchers extract valuable information from these samples.

Collaboration between biologists and geoscientists:

The research highlights collaboration between biologists and geoscientists, with biological evidence providing additional support for geological models. Biological evidence helps explain patterns observed in populations and complements physical evidence collected by geoscientists. Together, the research shows that the stability of the West Antarctic ice sheet is closely linked to global warming, and the octopus DNA evidence supports the idea that the ice sheet may be approaching a tipping point that will affect future sea level rise. .