Update: This story was updated to clarify that the majority of ice loss in Antarctica each year is replaced by new snowfall; The amount of ice loss that is not replaced by snowfall is increasing, adding to the continent's contribution to global sea level rise. (qz.com)
While new snowfall can make the ice sheet brighter again, the dark material built up during the melt years is waiting just below the surface, preconditioning the surface to future melting, Tedesco said. (sciencedaily.com)
New research suggests that as early as 2090, rates of ice loss at the site could exceed gains from new snowfall. (sciencemag.org)