Sea Level Rise Seminar, 2025-09-09: Andres Rivera

Sea Level Rise Seminar, 2025-09-09 Speaker: Andrés Rivera (University of Chile) Title: Main uncertainties in quantifying the contribution of the Patagonian ice fields to the sea-level rise Abstract: The Patagonian ice fields are the second largest contributors to sea-level rise after Alaskan glaciers. Several studies have progressively improved the quantification of the Patagonian ice losses. A very recent compilation of a detailed map of the subglacial topography have estimated total volumes by an unprecedented resolution. These estimations will help to reduce uncertainties in projecting future contributions. In spite of these ongoing improvements, several factors remain elusive, and are very unlikely to be solved only with remotely sensed data or models. Especially important are the calving processes taking place among the main glaciers flowing out the main plateaus. The calving activity has been described as the main factor explaining ice losses in those glaciers, however, the local and complex interplay between the ice dynamics, the bathymetries nearby glacier fronts and the subglacial melt are still very poorly known due to the lack of field data. Recent bathymetric soundings we have undertaken in the region are confirming the high uncertainties in the available subglacial digital elevation models, and therefore, are questioning future sea-level contribution projections. The most recent advances in ongoing research will be presented, including sea-level estimates and main uncertainties sources in Patagonia.