octopus DNA Reveals Troubling Truth About Antarctic Ice Sheet Stability
Australian scientists have unlocked a critical piece of the puzzle surrounding the stability of the West Antarctic ice sheet,using the genetic makeup of a unique octopus species. A team lead by molecular biologist Jan Strunell from James Cook University (JCU) analyzed the genetic profile of Octopus turquet,found on the opposite side of the West Antarctic ice layer,revealing a connection to populations existing 120,000 years ago. This connection proves the ocean was connected during that period, indicating a significant melt event occurred then.
The findings, published in the journal Science, suggest the West Antarctic ice sheet is far more vulnerable to collapse than previously understood. “This is important, because it understands how much ice in Antarctica during this last interglacial period, when the condition is very similar to today, it is very important to understand what will happen in the future,” explained Professor Strunell.
The West Antarctic ice sheet is a major contributor to global sea level rise, and it’s total collapse could raise sea levels by three to five meters. Worryingly, the research indicates this collapse could occur even with successful climate change mitigation efforts and only a slight increase in global temperatures.
This research builds on previous work by professor Strunell’s team, published in Nature Science last august, which already identified the ice sheet as being at high risk of collapse without immediate and drastic reductions in global greenhouse gas emissions.
“This should be very worried about all of us. We really need to reduce carbon emissions, because this is the only thing that will stop the collapse of the ice layer, and an increase in sea level as high as three meters will have a very large impact on many cities in Australia,” Professor Strunell warned.
The team was able to compile “DNA time capsules” using modern genomic techniques and samples collected from around Antarctica over the past 40 years. Professor Strunell emphasized the collaborative nature of the research, stating, “Science is really about standing on the shoulders of the giants. It takes a multidisciplinary team to achieve this,which we are very proud of,and truly remarkable can work with geologists and oceanographers,museum scientists,genomic experts,and bioinformatics experts.” He added, ”Hopefully our study really shows the power to unite people from various fields, international collaboration that unites a strong data collection that can answer critically important questions for physics.”
Kim McKay, Director of the Australian Museum, highlighted the significance of the findings, noting that the research – a 2023 eureka Prize winner – underscores the urgent need to support and invest in Australian scientific achievements. “Australian research needs to be supported and funded so that scientists can continue to develop practical solutions for global challenges,” she said. McKay also pointed to the increasing recognition of the vital role marine ecosystems play in climate resilience and biodiversity conservation, emphasizing the importance of research focused on these systems.
(rns/rns)