Model comparison: Experts calculate future ice loss and the extent to which Greenland and the Antarctic will contribute to sea-level rise
Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI)
Published: 17 September 2020
The ISMIP6 project shows Greenland could raise sea levels by 9 cm by 2100 under high emissions. Antarctic estimates range from -7.8 cm to +30 cm, reflecting major model uncertainty—especially due to simplified ocean and snowfall assumptions.
Keywords: ISMIP6, sea-level rise, Greenland Ice Sheet, Antarctic Ice Sheet, ice-sheet modeling, climate change, CMIP5
Taking aim at tiny threats
Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI)
Published: 21 September 2020
AWI scientists propose standardized, cost-efficient methods to detect microplastics and introduce siMPle, open-source software that harmonizes FT-IR data analysis—enabling cross-lab comparability and supporting future monitoring efforts.
Keywords: microplastics, FT-IR spectroscopy, environmental monitoring, siMPle software, standardization, pollution, wastewater analysis
Enhanced warming subtropical ocean is expanding the tropics
Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI)
Published: 23 September 2020
AWI researchers show that warming subtropical oceans—not atmospheric changes—are driving the expansion of the tropics. Ocean gyres amplify surface warming, shifting tropical boundaries and increasing drought risk in regions like California and Australia.
Keywords: Tropical expansion, subtropical ocean warming, ocean gyres, climate change, drought, AWI, atmospheric modeling
