Rising temperatures on Earth have caused one of Greenland’s glaciers to lose large amounts of ice.
Using data from ground-based measuring instruments and observations from helicopters and orbiting satellites, scientists found that the 79° North glacier in northeast Greenland has lost a large amount of ice over 26 years. Phys writes that the results of the study were published in the journal The Cryosphere.
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This study shows how global warming affects the stability of a floating ice tongue (a long, narrow sheet of ice extending from land to ocean). This is of great importance for the ice shelves in Greenland and Antarctica, as the instability of the ice shelves causes ice to flow faster into the ocean, meaning global levels are rising.
Scientists have summarized the results of many years of observations at the 79° N glacier in northeast Greenland and have come to disappointing conclusions. The melting rate of the glacier increased, resulting in a decrease in its thickness. Since 1998, the thickness of the glacier has decreased by 160 meters.
According to scientists, under the influence of global warming the glacier has changed significantly over 20 years. Warm ocean water melts the ice from below, and high air temperatures cause the glacier to melt from the top. At the same time, ice over a large area is melting.
According to scientists, very hot weather causes lakes to form on the surface of the glacier, from where water flows into the ocean through long channels and increases its level. For example, one of the channels has reached a length of 500 meters, while the ice cover has decreased significantly.
Due to the significantly increased rate of glacier melting, the floating ice tongue, whose thickness decreased by more than 30% in 26 years, began to melt rapidly. This decrease in ice thickness is especially noticeable where the ice comes into contact with the ocean. Scientists believe the glacier’s floating tongue of ice will break up within the next few years or decades.
As I already wrote FocusScientists believe the melting Greenland ice sheet could help predict summer weather in Europe.
Moreover Focus He wrote that Tasmanian forests, which remove carbon dioxide from the air, are in danger of disappearing. Tasmania’s incredibly important forests are on the brink of change and extinction due to global warming. Places that purify our air from carbon dioxide may be its main source.
We would like to remind you that scientists have found a new species in the Great Salt Lake. A new species of creature that can survive in such an environment has been discovered in a reservoir. Until now, as I wrote before, only two types of multicellular organisms were known that could withstand such high levels of salinity. Focus.
Source: Focus
Ashley Fitzgerald is an accomplished journalist in the field of technology. She currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker. With a deep understanding of the latest technology developments, Ashley’s writing provides readers with insightful analysis and unique perspectives on the industry.