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The continent of Antarctica is rising. It is due to a geological phenomenon called post-glacial uplift. It will have huge consequences for the whole of Earth. An astronomical volume of ice has melted from Antarctica's glaciers. This has made the continent lighter. This consequently means it is slowly rising. The melting glacial water is causing sea levels around the globe to rise. Geologist Terry Wilson from Ohio State University wrote: "Our measurements show that the solid earth that forms the base of the Antarctic ice sheet is changing shape surprisingly quickly. The land uplift from reduced ice on the surface is happening in decades, rather than over thousands of years."
Researchers used 3D modelling in an attempt to ascertain how rising sea levels could impact Earth. The team said levels could rise between 1.7 meters to 19.5 meters by 2500. McGill University glaciologist Natalya Gomez wrote: "With nearly 700 million people living in coastal areas, and the potential cost of sea-level rise reaching trillions of dollars by the end of the century, understanding the domino effect of Antarctic ice melt is crucial." She added that post-glacial uplift will unfairly affect countries differently. She said: "This finding highlights the climate injustice toward nations whose emissions are low, while their exposure and vulnerability to sea-level rise is high."
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