Changes in a Greenland Glacier Hid a Grim Truth of Ice Sheet's Destruction
Feb 06, 2025
This article talks about how the cracks in Greenland's ice sheet, called crevasses, are getting bigger. Scientists are studying these cracks to understand how the ice is moving towards the ocean. They have found that as the ocean warms, the ice sheet speeds up, creating more stress on the surface and causing the crevasses to grow. By studying these cracks, scientists can predict how much ice will melt, potentially leading to a rise in sea levels.
One particular glacier in Greenland, called Sermeq Kujalleq, is the fastest-flowing glacier in the world. In 2016, it slowed down and thickened due to cold water from the north Atlantic ocean. This caused the crevasses on the surface to close, offsetting increases in other parts of the ice sheet. However, since 2018, the glacier has sped up again in response to ongoing warming.
Crevasses are important because they help move surface meltwater into the ice sheet, making it flow faster towards the ocean. They also play a role in the formation of icebergs. Understanding how crevasses work is crucial for predicting sea-level rise in the future.
Scientists are urging the world to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius to avoid the worst effects of climate change. Every fraction of a degree matters, as it can impact how fast glaciers and ice sheets melt. We need to act quickly to save ourselves from the damage that climate change can bring.