A recent study has revealed that the largest floating ice shelves in North Greenland have experienced a significant reduction in their volume, losing more than a third of their mass since 1978. This concerning phenomenon is primarily attributed to the increasing temperatures of the surrounding ocean waters. The study, conducted by researchers from the CNRS, in collaboration with Danish and American scientists, was published on November 7 in the journal Nature Communications.
These ice shelves, located in North Greenland, serve a vital function as massive natural barriers, effectively regulating the flow of ice into the ocean. Until recently, these glaciers were considered relatively stable when compared to other vulnerable regions of the polar ice cap, which began showing signs of weakening in the mid-1980s.
The thinning of these ice shelves is predominantly linked to the rising temperatures of the ocean waters that surround them. As the ocean temperatures increase, the extensions of these glaciers that float on the water surface start to melt. This alarming trend poses a significant risk, as any further weakening of these ice shelves could result in a greater release of ice into the ocean, ultimately accelerating the already rising sea levels.
Greenland, which currently contributes to 17% of the ongoing sea level rise, faces the potential for an even more substantial impact on global sea levels if these natural ice barriers continue to diminish. The research findings were based on a comprehensive approach, combining field observations, aerial photography, satellite data, and regional climate models.
Reference:
Millan, R., Jager, E., Mouginot, J., Wood, M. H., Larsen, S. H., Mathiot, P., Jourdain, N. C., & Bjørk, A. (2023). Rapid disintegration and weakening of ice shelves in North Greenland. Nature Communications, DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42198-2.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Greenland Ice Shelf Melting
What is the main finding of the study regarding North Greenland’s ice shelves?
The main finding of the study is that North Greenland’s largest floating ice shelves have lost over a third of their volume since 1978, primarily due to rising ocean temperatures.
How do these ice shelves contribute to regulating ice flow into the ocean?
These ice shelves act as natural barriers, akin to frozen dams, which regulate the amount of ice discharged into the ocean. They help control the flow of ice from the glaciers into the sea.
Why is the thinning of these ice shelves a cause for concern?
The thinning of these ice shelves is concerning because it could lead to an increased release of ice into the ocean, thereby accelerating sea level rise. Greenland already contributes significantly to rising sea levels, and any further weakening of these natural barriers could exacerbate the problem.
What methods were used to obtain the research findings?
The study used a combination of methods, including field observations, aerial photography, satellite data, and regional climate models to assess the changes in the ice shelves’ volume and understand the factors behind their thinning.
How does this study impact our understanding of climate change and sea level rise?
This study underscores the impact of warming ocean temperatures on polar ice shelves and highlights the potential consequences for sea level rise. It adds to our understanding of the complex interplay between climate change and the cryosphere, which is crucial for predicting future sea level changes.
More about Greenland Ice Shelf Melting
- Nature Communications Study
- CNRS (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique)
- Greenland Ice Sheet (Additional reference for context)
3 comments
Impressive research on Greenland’s ice shelves. Warming seas causin’ big trouble. We must act to protect our planet.
cool study bout the ice shelves in greenland. they meltin’ coz of warm oceans, that’s bad. hope they stop meltin’.
This study says ice in Greenland gettin’ smaller. Ocean heatin’ up, makin’ ice shelves go away. Sea level goin’ up. Need to do somethin’ ’bout it!