Scientists have observed contrasting trends in the ice melt rates of Greenland and Antarctica, which have significant ramifications for global sea levels. While Greenland’s surface ice has seen an accelerated rate of melting due to rising temperatures and the impact of Foehn and katabatic winds, Antarctica has witnessed a reduction in its ice melt rate.
The research, spearheaded by the University of California, Irvine, examined the role of downslope winds and the ozone layer in these contrasting patterns. In collaboration with Utrecht University in the Netherlands, the researchers found that Greenland’s surface ice melt has been increasing, whereas Antarctica has exhibited a reverse trend.
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The Role of Foehn and Katabatic Winds in Ice Melt
A recent paper published in the American Geophysical Union’s Geophysical Research Letters delves into the influence of Foehn and katabatic winds—winds that bring warm, dry air into contact with glacial surfaces. According to the study, the Greenland ice sheet has experienced a more than 10% increase in wind-induced melting over the past two decades. Conversely, the Antarctic ice sheet has seen a 32% reduction in similar wind-related melting.
An expedition by NASA in 2012 captured images of frozen meltwater lakes in Greenland. Scientists from UCI led an investigation into how warm, dry, downslope winds are hastening the thawing of Greenland’s ice sheet. As a part of the same research, a contrary outcome was observed in Antarctica, where there was less wind-driven melting.
Implications for Sea Level Rise and Research Findings
Charlie Zender, co-author of the study and a UCI professor specializing in Earth system science, remarked, “Our regional climate model simulations revealed that downslope winds contribute significantly to surface ice melting in both Greenland and Antarctica. This surface melt leads to runoff and ice shelf hydrofracture, increasing the freshwater flow to oceans and subsequently contributing to the rise in sea levels.”
Zender emphasized that while the winds have a considerable impact, differing effects of global warming in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres are leading to disparate results in the two regions.
Greenland’s Melting Mechanics
In Greenland, the 10% surge in wind-induced melting, along with increasing surface air temperatures, has resulted in a 34% overall growth in surface ice melting. Zender partly attributes this to the impact of global warming on the North Atlantic Oscillation, a measure of sea-level pressure difference, which has directed warm air over Greenland and other Arctic regions.
Antarctica’s Ice Melt Behavior
Contrary to Greenland, Antarctica has seen a roughly 15% reduction in overall surface ice melt since 2000. Zender notes that the ongoing recovery of the Antarctic stratospheric ozone hole, identified in the 1980s, is offering temporary protection against further surface melting.
Global Consequences of Ice Melt
Zender further explained, “Both Greenland and Antarctica are holding back over 200 feet of potential sea-level rise. Since 1992, their melting has contributed to global sea levels rising by approximately three-quarters of an inch. Greenland is currently the primary contributor, but Antarctica is gaining ground and will eventually surpass it.”
Future Studies and Potential Impact
Zender anticipates that ongoing research into the roles of Foehn and katabatic winds in polar regions will enhance the reliability of Earth system models in the climate science community.
The study received financial backing from the U.S. Department of Energy, the National Science Foundation, and the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research. Collaborating researchers included Matthew Laffin and Wenshan Wang from UCI’s Department of Earth System Science and Melchior van Wessem and Brice Noel from the University of Utrecht’s Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Ice Melt Patterns
What is the main focus of the research?
The main focus of the research is to understand the divergent trends in ice melt patterns in Greenland and Antarctica and their implications for global sea levels. The study explores the roles of downslope winds like Foehn and katabatic winds and the influence of global warming in both regions.
Who conducted this research?
The research was led by the University of California, Irvine, in collaboration with Utrecht University in the Netherlands. It was authored by Charlie Zender, Matthew Laffin, Wenshan Wang, Melchior van Wessem, and Brice Noel.
What are the key findings regarding Greenland?
In Greenland, the rate of surface ice melt has accelerated, rising by over 10% in the last 20 years due to the combined effects of global warming and the impact of Foehn and katabatic winds. The shift in the North Atlantic Oscillation due to global warming is also identified as a contributing factor.
What are the key findings regarding Antarctica?
In contrast to Greenland, Antarctica has experienced a decrease in its surface ice melt rate. Specifically, there has been a 32% reduction in wind-related melting on the Antarctic Peninsula since the early 2000s. The recovering Antarctic ozone layer has offered some temporary insulation against further melt.
How does this research impact our understanding of global sea levels?
The research highlights the significant contribution of ice melt from Greenland and Antarctica to rising global sea levels. It indicates that Greenland is currently the primary contributor, but Antarctica is closing the gap and will eventually become the dominant factor.
What are the future implications of this research?
The study suggests that understanding the roles of Foehn and katabatic winds in these regions could improve the physical fidelity of Earth system models. This would enhance climate science predictions and contribute to more effective policy-making regarding climate change and sea level rise.
Who funded the research?
The research received financial support from the U.S. Department of Energy, the National Science Foundation, and the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research.
Where was the research published?
The research was published in the American Geophysical Union journal, Geophysical Research Letters, on August 29, 2023. The DOI for the paper is 10.1029/2023GL102828.
More about Ice Melt Patterns
- American Geophysical Union
- Geophysical Research Letters
- University of California, Irvine
- Utrecht University
- U.S. Department of Energy
- National Science Foundation
- Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research
- North Atlantic Oscillation
- NASA Operation IceBridge
- Antarctic Stratospheric Ozone Hole
6 comments
Wow, I never knew Antarctica was actually experiencing less ice melt compared to Greenland. Always thought it was the other way around!
It’s so important to keep an eye on both poles, not just one. You never know how things could shift. This is super important research.
i gotta say, the roles of Foehn and katabatic winds were completely new to me. Climate science is complex man.
Surprised to hear the ozone layer is helping Antarctica a bit. Wasn’t it supposed to be a bad thing? So much to learn.
Could someone break down what the North Atlantic Oscillation is? This study mentions it but doesnt really go deep. Would love to know more.
This is pretty alarming stuff, especially for anyone living in coastal areas. Sea level rise ain’t no joke.