GLOBAL WARMING AND THE STABILITY OF THE WEST ANTARCTIC ICE-SHEET

Of today's great ice sheets, the West Antarctic Ice Sheet poses the mo st Immediate threat of a large sea-level rise, owing to its potential instability. Complete release of its ice to the ocean would raise glob al mean sea level by four to six metres, causing major coastal floodin g worldwide. Human-induced climate change may play a significant role in controlling the long-term stability of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet and in determining its contribution to sea-level change in the near f uture.