Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Muskan Arora
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory conducted an extensive analysis of satellite data spanning from 1985 to 2022, offering a comprehensive view of Greenland's ice sheet dynamics.
The research, published in the journal Nature, indicated that out of 207 glaciers analyzed, a staggering 179 exhibited significant retreat, particularly in fjords below sea level around Greenland's periphery.
The retreat of glaciers was likened to "pulling the plug out of the fjord," facilitating a more rapid drainage of ice into the ocean, as explained by Chad Greene, a leading glacier scientist at JPL.
The study identified an additional loss of ice, amounting to approximately 1,140 billion tons, previously unaccounted for by international assessments. While not directly contributing to rising sea levels, it signified a significant influx of freshwater into the oceans.
The freshwater influx could potentially disrupt the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, a crucial component of the global oceanic "conveyor belt," with far-reaching implications for global weather patterns and ecosystems.
The research highlighted that ice retreat consistently outpaced growth since the early 2000s, with notable recession observed after 2000. Specific glaciers, including Zachariae Isstrom, Jakobshavn Isbrae, and Humboldt Gletscher, suffered substantial losses.
The study identified a correlation between glaciers with significant seasonal fluctuations and those experiencing the most substantial retreat, suggesting that glaciers sensitive to summer warming were particularly vulnerable to climate change.
Researchers emphasized the urgency of continued monitoring and research to comprehend the full impact of climate change on the delicate polar regions of the planet.