Imagery from Landsat 9’s Operational Land Imager-2 (OLI-2) on August 3, 2023, has captured the scene.
In Western Greenland, researchers are positing theories about the origin of an unusual arc formation that extended across a fjord.
During the summer months, Greenland’s fjords are often filled with jagged ice fragments, originating from the island’s many outlet glaciers. However, an unexpected arc formation appeared in a fjord in Western Greenland on August 3, 2023.
The arc is discernible in the high-resolution images taken by the Operational Land Imager-2 (OLI-2) on Landsat 9. This thin, white structure extends across a substantial portion of Itilliarsuup Kangerlua, a tributary fjord connected to the Uummannaq Fjord system. The feature spans approximately 2.6 kilometers (about 1.6 miles) from the front of the Kangilleq glacier.
Although the genesis of this feature remains ambiguous, initial satellite images, first released on Planet Snapshots, have ignited discourse on potential causes. A prominent theory, endorsed by Dan Shugar, a geomorphologist at the University of Calgary, posits that this arc emerged due to a large iceberg detaching from the glacier’s front.
A breaking iceberg—whether occurring above or beneath the water’s surface—would displace water, thereby generating a wave. Josh Willis, an oceanographer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and Mike Wood, a glaciologist at Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, concur that a recently calved iceberg is a plausible explanation. “The formation closely resembles a circle, suggesting it may indeed be a wave resulting from a calving event,” Willis observed. He supplemented his comments with an aerial photograph of a comparable circular wave caused by ice detachment, witnessed in September 2021 during NASA’s Oceans Melting Greenland (OMG) mission.
However, the scientists also acknowledged that another water-displacement phenomenon is observed in Greenland’s fjords. “An underwater plume of fresh meltwater from beneath a glacier, entering the saltwater fjord, could also be responsible for pushing ice away from the glacier’s face,” stated Willis.
Relying solely on satellite images, it remains uncertain what specifically engendered this transient feature. The arc has since vanished, restoring the fjord to its typical, less angular state.
NASA Earth Observatory imagery by Wanmei Liang, employing Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey. An accompanying NASA photograph was supplied by Josh Willis from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Greenland fjord enigmatic arc
What is the significance of the arc formation in the Greenland fjord?
The arc formation in the Greenland fjord is significant due to its unusual and puzzling nature. It deviates from the typical ice formations seen in the region during the summer months, prompting scientific curiosity.
How was the arc formation captured in the images?
The arc formation was captured in high-resolution images taken by Landsat 9’s Operational Land Imager-2 (OLI-2) on August 3, 2023.
What are the leading theories regarding the origin of the arc?
The leading theory, supported by experts like Dan Shugar, suggests that the arc is the result of a large iceberg breaking off from the Kangilleq glacier. This would displace water and create the observed wave-like formation.
Are there alternative explanations for the phenomenon?
Yes, another plausible explanation put forth by scientists is the possibility of underwater plumes of fresh meltwater from beneath a glacier entering the fjord’s saltwater. These plumes could also displace water and influence the ice formations.
Has the mystery of the arc formation been definitively solved?
No, the origin of the arc formation remains uncertain. Despite the theories proposed, conclusive evidence is challenging to obtain solely from satellite images. Moreover, the arc has since disappeared, further complicating the investigation.
What is the scientific significance of understanding this phenomenon?
Understanding the origin of such phenomena is crucial for climate and glaciological research. It provides insights into the dynamics of ice and water interactions in Greenland’s fjords, which are essential for monitoring the effects of climate change on the region.
More about Greenland fjord enigmatic arc
- Landsat 9
- Operational Land Imager-2 (OLI-2)
- University of Calgary – Dan Shugar
- NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory
- Moss Landing Marine Laboratories
- NASA Earth Observatory
- Planet Snapshots
- Oceans Melting Greenland (OMG) Mission
