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.