Scientists have detected hundreds of previously unknown seismic events beneath Antarctica's Thwaites Glacier.

What it means

Scientists have detected hundreds of previously unknown small earthquakes (likely ice quakes) under Antarctica's Thwaites Glacier, nicknamed the 'Doomsday Glacier' because its collapse could raise sea levels by over two feet. These seismic events suggest the glacier is more internally active and dynamic than previously understood, which may influence how quickly it melts and slides into the ocean.

Accuracy & sourcesGrounded

The claim comes from a secondary news report on Science Daily, which aggregates research findings but does not cite a specific primary study (e.g., a peer-reviewed paper or preprint). Without a direct link to the original research, the solidity of the details (e.g., exact number of events, detection method) cannot be independently verified from this item alone, though the broad finding is plausible based on known glacial seismology.

How new

The underlying news report was published on August 30, 2026, making this genuinely new material that describes recent research findings.

Go deeper

• Science Daily article