Scientists have discovered Antarctic glaciers were moving towards the sea “100 percent” faster than previously thought, which will have major consequences for sea levels. Researchers found surface meltwater was seeping through the ice and beneath the glaciers of Antarctica, which was accelerating the glaciers descent to the sea. By using imagery and data from satellites alongside regional climate modelling, scientists at the University of Sheffield found some glaciers were moving 100 percent faster – up to 400 metres per year.

However, with temperatures set to continue to rise in the future thanks to climate change, this is likely to speed up the glaciers descent towards water even more, which will exacerbate the rising sea levels problem, according to the research published in the journal Nature Communications.

Dr Jeremy Ely, Independent Research Fellow at the University of Sheffield’s Department of Geography and author of the study, said: “Our research shows for the first time that surface meltwater is getting beneath glaciers in the Antarctic Peninsula – causing short bursts of sliding towards the sea 100 percent faster than normal.

“As atmospheric temperatures continue to rise, we expect to see more surface meltwater than ever, so such behaviour may become more common in Antarctica.

“It’s crucial that this factor is considered in models of future sea level rise, so we can prepare for a world with fewer and smaller glaciers.”