Ice melting in Antarctica began in the 1940s - Earth and Poles. Core samples from the region indicate that the Thwaites began a gradual retreat as early as 9,400 years ago.
An abrupt change occurred starting from 1945, promoted by the El Nino phenomenon recorded between 1939 and 1942. The massive arrival of warmer water currents in the Antarctic region may have triggered an accelerated melting of the ice, the effects of which continue today. “Once ice sheet retreat has begun, it can continue for decades even if no further deterioration has occurred,” said James Smith, a marine geologist at the British Antarctic Survey.