North Greenland’s massive glaciers at the top of the world are facing unprecedented challenges, according to a new study in Nature Communications published on Tuesday. As ocean temperatures rise, the ice shelves are rapidly deteriorating, causing nearby glaciers to become unstable and threatening to significantly impact sea levels. Should these ice shelves melt completely, it is estimated they could raise sea levels by nearly 7 feet. This latest development is particularly alarming as these glaciers were believed to be relatively stable compared to other areas of Greenland.
An analysis of eight ice shelves was conducted using satellite images, climate models, and field measurements, with the study finding a substantial and widespread increase in ice shelf losses. Since 1978, the ice shelves buttressing northern Greenland’s glaciers have lost more than 35% of their total volume, with three collapsing completely since the early 2000s. The primary drivers of this ice loss are increased calving, surface melting, and predominantly basal melting, where warm ocean currents melt the ice from below. The study also found that the grounding lines – the point where the glacier touches the ground and begins to float – are retreating as the ice shelves melt.
Ultimately, the future of these glaciers largely depends on efforts to reduce planet-heating pollution, as warmer oceans could permanently weaken the ice shelves and lead to complete collapse. The report recommends continued monitoring to better understand how these ice shelves will respond to climate change and address the complex process of basal melting and its potential impact on sea level rise. The study’s findings also contribute to a better understanding of how polar regions are responding to the human-induced climate crisis, highlighting the dynamic and fragile nature of these areas. Although the rapid changes occurring are cause for concern, they are not necessarily surprising as the planet continues to warm up.
