The Antarctic Tayeuts satellite field, also known as the “Field of the Antarctic Court’s Day,” has the potential to significantly contribute to sea level rise if it continues to melt. Recent data suggests that this process is currently happening. The satellite field is situated beneath the ice sheet, which is undergoing substantial erosion as warm ocean water undermines its structural integrity.

Scientists have identified this phenomenon through powerful Antarctic radar data, which reveals that the Tayeuts field is being exposed to warm seawater. According to a study published in the journal PNAS, Tayeuts is the world’s largest satellite field, spanning approximately 80 kilometers in length and with a thickness of 2,600-3,900 feet.

Already, Tayeuts has contributed to a four percent rise in global sea level. If the satellite field completely melts, the sea level near the American state of Florida could increase by approximately 65 centimeters. However, the melting of Tayeuts may also have further consequences, including the destabilization of other ice sheets, which could raise the sea level by as much as 3 meters.

This is not the first study to highlight the accelerating impact of climate change on Tayeuts. During the 2021 annual meeting of the American Geophysical Union (AGU), researchers announced that the satellite field was experiencing retreat due to warm waters from the Amundsen Sea. This ongoing erosion caused by the warm water is a major concern for climatologists.