Ross Ice Shelf Could Collapse With Out Warning, Worldwide sea level rise of sixteen feet

As has been stated by several others, the ice is already in the water, so any melt will not contribute to sea level rises.

However,

Part of the Ross ice shelf does sit on land, so if that melts, maybe it will contribute.

But the real worry is all the land locked ice, both in Antartica and Greenland. One theory you could postulate is that these scientists are hinting that if Ross melts, it may allow landlocked ice on Antartica to flow freely into the sea.

That would definately cause a rise in sea levels.

it has been measured that the Greenland glaciers are flowing alot faster than normal over recent years, due to melt water and these have the added effect of pumping fresch water into the North Atlantic, buggering up the Gulf stream.

Whatever happens with this, I think there will be some change in sea levels. after all if it melts or breaks off, some more water will be in the ocean. How much difference that will actually make is anyone's guess, but it will change the sea level.

Originally posted by apex
Whatever happens with this, I think there will be some change in sea levels. after all if it melts or breaks off, some more water will be in the ocean. How much difference that will actually make is anyone's guess, but it will change the sea level.

if the ice is already in the water, it is displacing considerable amounts anyway. Whilst water is less dense than ice, the measurable difference of a sea-borne block of ice melting on the water level will be negligable. It's the land based ice you don't want to melt.

To put it into context, the whole of the Artic ice cap could melt, but you wouldn't notice the difference. if Greenland or Antartica shed it's ice, then you certainly would.