Why We’re Heading to the Fastest‑Melting Glacier

Assessing the Clock on Thwaites Glacier

How much time does the Thwaites Glacier in Antarctica have left? This question drives a new expedition that brings together journalists, photographers, and scientists to track one of the planet’s most vulnerable ice shelves.

On the Ground with the Team

Reporter Raymond Zhong and photographer Chang W. Lee have joined a multidisciplinary crew of glaciologists, oceanographers, and engineers. Their mission is to measure the rate at which Thwaites is losing mass and to model the potential impact on global sea levels.

Why Thwaites Matters

The glacier, often dubbed the “Gateway to the Ice Sheet,” drains a vast portion of West Antarctica. Even a modest increase in its melt rate could add several feet to sea level, threatening coastal communities worldwide.

What the Expedition Aims to Reveal

By combining satellite observations, on‑site radar surveys, and underwater sonar mapping, the team hopes to answer three critical questions:

• How quickly is the ice flowing into the ocean?
• What role does warm seawater play in accelerating melt?
• When might the glacier reach a tipping point that leads to irreversible collapse?

Looking Ahead

The data collected will feed into the latest climate‑change models, offering policymakers a clearer picture of future sea‑level rise. As the world watches, the expedition underscores a simple truth: the clock is ticking for Thwaites, and understanding its fate is essential for the planet’s future.