Boaty McBoatface to Assess State of Thwaites Glacier

'Boaty McBoatface' was an ill-advised online competition's most poplar choice, to name a new polar research vessel (like the Norwegian vessel illustrated), built for the British Antarctic Survey. Eventually, the more 'dignified' name of 'RRS Sir David Attenborough' was selected. The name 'Boaty McBoatface' did not, however, 'die' (some scientists have a sense of humour). The polar research vessel has 3 robotic Autosub Long Range Class vehicles. The lead vehicle was actually christened 'Boaty McBoatface'. The lithium battery powered subs, are about to examine the base of the ice shelf of Antarctica's Thwaites glacier (https://www.itv.com/news/anglia/2022-01-05/scientists-set-off-to-south-pole-to-study-impact-of-global-warming). The preceding post highlighted the potential 'doomsday' consequences of global heating on the Thwaites glacier ice shelf. This could lead to a rapid 60cm elevation of sea level within the next 20 years. 'Boaty McBoatface' is currently the only way of looking at the effects of warming Antarctic waters on the underside of the ice shelf.