Scientists are “watching with bated breath” to see if ice will return to normal levels. The planetary consequences could be huge.

But sea ice plays a critical role in protecting Antarctica’s colossal ice shelves from deteriorating, and those could dramatically raise ocean levels if they break apart. If it totally melts, the Thwaites Glacier, aka the Doomsday Glacier, could add 10 feet to sea levels.

Antarctic Sea Ice Is at Record Lows. Is It an Alarming Shift? | WIRED