Professor Ersan Başar, a faculty member at Karadeniz Technical University, Faculty of Marine Sciences, Department of Maritime Transportation and Management Engineering, spoke about findings from the 10th National Antarctic Science Expedition he led.
Başar said the team is directly observing the effects of climate change in the field. He stated: “There is a melting of 3 centimeters (1.18 inches) per day, nearly 10 meters (32.8 feet) per year,” and stressed that “this rate of melting is not normal.”
The effects of global warming are becoming increasingly visible in Türkiye, as they are worldwide. The melting of glaciers in polar regions and high mountainous areas is considered one of the clearest indicators of climate change. Scientific observations and statistical data show that glacier melting has accelerated over the past decade. Experts emphasize that glaciers are not only water sources but also climate regulators and as they melt, carbon and methane stored in the ice are released, further intensifying global warming.
Alarming melting speed
Başar pointed to long-term expedition data showing that glacier loss has clearly accelerated over the past 10 years. He noted that Türkiye has been conducting Antarctic research for a decade, with ongoing scientific projects and international collaboration.
