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Researchers Discover a Cause of Rapid Ice Melting in Greenland
Greenland is home to the second-largest ice sheet in the world, and it is melting at an alarming rate. Scientists have been studying this phenomenon for years, trying to understand the cause of this rapid ice melting. Recently, researchers have discovered a new cause of this melting that could have significant implications for the future of our planet.
Introduction
The Greenland ice sheet is melting at an unprecedented rate, and this has serious implications for global sea levels. The ice sheet has lost an average of 260 billion tons of ice per year between 2002 and 2016. This has led to a rise in sea levels by 0.7 millimeters per year, which may not seem like much, but it adds up over time.
The Study
A team of researchers from the University of Cambridge and the University of Copenhagen conducted a study to understand the cause of this rapid ice melting. They found that a process called "hydrofracturing" is responsible for much of the melting.
Hydrofracturing occurs when meltwater seeps into cracks in the ice sheet and refreezes, causing the cracks to widen. This process can lead to large chunks of ice breaking off and falling into the ocean, contributing to rising sea levels.
The researchers used computer models to simulate hydrofracturing and found that it was responsible for up to 50% of the ice loss in some areas of Greenland.
Implications
The discovery of hydrofracturing as a cause of rapid ice melting in Greenland has significant implications for our understanding of climate change. It means that even if we reduce greenhouse gas emissions and slow down global warming, we may still be facing rising sea levels due to hydrofracturing.
This discovery also highlights the importance of studying natural processes that contribute to climate change. While reducing greenhouse gas emissions is crucial, it is not the only solution to the problem.
Conclusion
The discovery of hydrofracturing as a cause of rapid ice melting in Greenland is a significant breakthrough in our understanding of climate change. It highlights the importance of studying natural processes that contribute to climate change and finding solutions to mitigate their effects.
While reducing greenhouse gas emissions is crucial, we must also find ways to slow down or stop hydrofracturing in order to prevent further ice loss and rising sea levels.
FAQs
1. What is hydrofracturing?
Hydrofracturing is a process where meltwater seeps into cracks in the ice sheet and refreezes, causing the cracks to widen.
2. How much ice has Greenland lost?
Greenland has lost an average of 260 billion tons of ice per year between 2002 and 2016.
3. What are the implications of hydrofracturing?
Hydrofracturing contributes to rising sea levels, even if greenhouse gas emissions are reduced.
4. What can we do to mitigate the effects of hydrofracturing?
We must find ways to slow down or stop hydrofracturing in order to prevent further ice loss and rising sea levels.
5. Why is it important to study natural processes that contribute to climate change?
Studying natural processes that contribute to climate change can help us find solutions to mitigate their effects and prevent further damage to our planet.
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