Antarctic outlet glaciers can act as giant taps that control ice flow between the ice sheet interior and the coast. If the taps are opened, Antarctica may experience rapid, irreversible ice loss in coming centuries, resulting in greater-than-anticipated sea-level rise. From satellite images we have observations of these glaciers for only the past 50 years, making it difficult to predict how they will behave in a warming climate. Using a new geological dating technique, we can provide a link with satellite observations that will allow us to better understand how these glaciers will behave in the future.
