Glacier Melting News: NASA Reveals That Glacier Contraction in Antarctica is Irreversible [Video]

The melting of glaciers in western Antarctica is now "irreversible" and "unstoppable", NASA and University of Irvine scientists confirmed.

The new document, released on Monday, indicates that the deterioration and contraction of an important portion of the western Antarctic glaciers is advancing quickly and has crossed the point of no return, meaning that there is nothing that can stop their melting, according to CNN.

With evidence that spans over 40 years of research, the new NASA study concluded that the glaciers in the Sea of Amudsen, in the western part of Antarctica will melt without a chance of stopping this process, which might imply a rise in the level sea of water.

During a press conference, Eric Rignot, NASA investigator, told journalists that the contraction of the glaciers "seems unstoppable". According to the researcher, the melting of the glacier layer in Antarctica would mean a rise of approximately four feet in sea levels.

Although scientists have pointed out that it's likely that the complete melting of the glaciers might take a few centuries, the effects of this catastrophic process might be seen on this century.

Recent investigations carried out by the United Nations indicate that the sea level in coastal areas might rise between 1 and 3 feet by 2100, which would mean the displacement of millions of people around the world.

"It's honestly an incredibly stressful situation", said Sridahr Anadakrishnan, glaciologist of the University of Pennsylvania, to USA Today, and also said that a "huge part" of western Antarctica might be sent adrift.

NASA researchers used data collected via satellites and planes to study the changes in the six glaciers which comprise western Antarctica and the nearby terrain. The study concludes that glaciers are stretching, thinning and shrinking owing to template water slipping under the floating ice, which causes its erosion.

"The glaciers will continue to melt until they disappear, and the fact that they react almost simultaneously points to a common cause: a rise in the temperature in the ocean," said Rignot, quoted by CNN.