Dating West Antarctic ice sheet collapse using molecular sequence data

该项目旨在通过检查当今南极海底海洋动物的基因组特征来调查西南极冰盖过去的稳定性和结构。通过采用这一新的生物学方法，该项目将对西南极冰盖在最近间冰期崩塌并形成跨南极海道的假设进行独立检验。预期的项目成果包括提高对西南极冰盖最近崩塌的分辨率。该项目应有助于预测未来冰盖崩塌及其对海平面上升的影响，海平面上升是气候变化造成的一个关键不确定性。

This project aims to investigate the past stability and configuration of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet by examining genomic signatures in present day bottom-dwelling Antarctic marine animals. By employing this novel biological approach this project will provide an independent test of the hypothesis that the West Antarctic Ice Sheet collapsed during the most recent interglacial period and formed a trans-Antarctic seaway. Expected project outcomes include increased resolution of the most recent collapse of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. This project should provide benefits in predicting future ice sheet collapse and its impact on sea level rise, which is a key uncertainty resulting from climate change.