About 70% of Earth’s freshwater is locked in Antarctica’s ice sheets, which form the largest single mass of ice on the planet and have major implications for global sea level and climate
Freshwater and ice mass
Roughly 70% of the world’s freshwater is stored as ice in Antarctica’s ice sheets, making the continent the planet’s dominant freshwater reservoir.
Sea level consequence
If the Antarctic ice sheet were to melt entirely, global sea levels would rise by many tens of metres. Recent authoritative summaries put the total potential contribution from Antarctica at about 58 metres of global sea‑level rise.
Role in climate
Antarctic ice influences Earth’s climate by reflecting sunlight, storing cold, and exchanging heat and freshwater with the oceans. Changes in the ice sheet affect ocean circulation, sea level and long‑term climate patterns, as assessed in major scientific reviews.
Current trends and uncertainty
Observations show regional variability in mass balance with notable ice loss in parts of West Antarctica and dynamic behaviour in some East Antarctic basins, while short‑term mass gains from unusual precipitation have also occurred. The future evolution of the ice sheet carries substantial scientific uncertainty and is an active research priority.
Scientific and societal importance
Because so much of the planet’s freshwater is sequestered in Antarctic ice, studying its behaviour is critical for projecting sea‑level rise and preparing coastal communities. The ice sheet also preserves climate records in ice cores that help scientists reconstruct past climates and improve future projections.
Takeaway
Antarctica’s vast ice sheets hold the majority of Earth’s freshwater and represent a central factor in sea‑level and climate dynamics. Understanding and monitoring the ice is essential for predicting long‑term global impacts and informing adaptation strategies.