Alarming Loss: North Greenland Ice Shelves Decline by 35% as ocean temperatures rise

A new study published in Nature Communications has sounded the alarm on the drastic decline of ice shelves extending from the glaciers in North Greenland. Over the past five decades, these enormous ice shelves have lost over a third of their volume, with three of them collapsing entirely. Using satellite imagery and climate data, researchers found that warming ocean temperatures are the primary culprit behind this alarming phenomenon.
The implications of this loss are significant, as Greenland holds vast quantities of ice, and its complete melting could raise sea levels by nearly seven feet, leading to potentially catastrophic consequences. This article delves into the study’s findings and the potential global ramifications.
North Greenland have shrunk by more than 35%
The research reveals that the ice shelves in North Greenland have shrunk by more than 35% since 1978. The primary cause of this loss is the warming of the surrounding ocean. As ocean temperatures rise, the ice shelves that extend into the sea are exposed to warmer waters, leading to their disintegration. Three of these ice shelves have already succumbed to complete collapse.
Greenland’s ice sheet is a critical component of the world’s ice reserves. The report highlights that between 2006 and 2018, the Greenland ice sheet contributed 17.3% of the observed rise in sea levels, making it the second-largest contributor after ocean thermal expansion. This stark statistic underscores the importance of understanding the factors driving the decline of Greenland’s ice shelves.
The study also notes a significant increase in basal melt rates, which corresponded closely to the rising ocean temperatures between 2000 and 2020. This increase in melt rates signifies a direct response to the changes in the ice shelves. As they retreat and weaken, the grounding lines move further inland, increasing the discharge of ice into the ocean.
A Global Concern
The findings emphasize the critical role of warming ocean temperatures in driving ice shelf changes. The study also notes an ongoing phase of weakening in the remaining ice shelves in the region. This data serves as a stark reminder of the impact of climate change on our planet and the urgent need for global action to combat it.
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