Alaska's LeConte Glacier is melting underwater at rates nearly a hundred times greater than what is currently estimated, according to a detailed sonar survey.

The analysis indicates that glaciers have been losing the equivalent of more than a vertical foot and half of ice each year since 2000.

With rates of sea-level rise along parts of the nation’s Eastern seaboard increasing three to four times faster than the global average, experts are working to mitigate the effects by identifying threats, organizing collaboration among governments and organizations, as well as examining better communication techniques.