Published , Modified Abstract on Greenland Ice Sheet: Short-Lived Ice Streams Original source
Greenland Ice Sheet: Short-Lived Ice Streams
Greenland is home to the second-largest ice sheet in the world, covering an area of over 1.7 million square kilometers. The Greenland ice sheet plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate by reflecting sunlight back into space and maintaining the ocean's salinity. However, recent studies have shown that the ice sheet is melting at an alarming rate due to global warming. In this article, we will discuss the short-lived ice streams of the Greenland ice sheet and their impact on sea-level rise.
Introduction
The Greenland ice sheet has been losing mass at an accelerating rate over the past few decades. The melting of the ice sheet has contributed to about 25% of global sea-level rise since 1993. The ice sheet is losing mass due to two main processes: surface melting and iceberg calving. However, recent studies have shown that short-lived ice streams also play a significant role in the mass loss of the Greenland ice sheet.
What are Short-Lived Ice Streams?
Short-lived ice streams are narrow channels of fast-flowing ice that form on the surface of the Greenland ice sheet during summer months. These channels can be up to several kilometers long and a few hundred meters wide. They form when meltwater from the surface of the ice sheet flows into crevasses and fractures in the ice, lubricating it and causing it to flow faster.
How do Short-Lived Ice Streams Contribute to Sea-Level Rise?
Short-lived ice streams contribute to sea-level rise by accelerating the flow of ice from the interior of the Greenland ice sheet towards the coast. As these channels grow and merge, they can form larger and more stable channels that persist throughout the summer months. This can lead to a significant increase in ice discharge from the Greenland ice sheet, contributing to sea-level rise.
Recent Studies on Short-Lived Ice Streams
A recent study published in the journal Nature Communications has shed new light on the role of short-lived ice streams in the mass loss of the Greenland ice sheet. The study used satellite data to track the formation and evolution of short-lived ice streams over a period of 11 years. The study found that short-lived ice streams can account for up to 15% of the total mass loss of the Greenland ice sheet.
Conclusion
The Greenland ice sheet is melting at an alarming rate due to global warming, and short-lived ice streams are contributing to this mass loss. These narrow channels of fast-flowing ice can account for up to 15% of the total mass loss of the Greenland ice sheet. It is crucial to monitor and understand the formation and evolution of short-lived ice streams to accurately predict future sea-level rise.
FAQs
1. What is the largest ice sheet in the world?
- The largest ice sheet in the world is the Antarctic ice sheet.
2. How much has sea level risen since 1993?
- Sea level has risen by about 25% since 1993 due to melting glaciers and thermal expansion.
3. What is causing global warming?
- Global warming is caused by an increase in greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide, in the Earth's atmosphere.
4. Can we stop the melting of the Greenland ice sheet?
- While we cannot completely stop the melting of the Greenland ice sheet, we can slow it down by reducing our greenhouse gas emissions and taking steps to mitigate climate change.
5. What are some other impacts of melting glaciers?
- Melting glaciers can lead to changes in ocean currents, altered weather patterns, and increased coastal flooding.
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