show that the ice sheet moves in a more complex manner than previously thought, with deformation in regions of warmer ice containing small amounts of water accounting for motion that had often been assumed to be caused by sliding where the ice meets the bedrock beneath.
The researchers found that, in some areas, the ice sheet’s motion is largely driven by deformation within the ice itself, rather than by sliding along the bedrock. This means that the ice in these areas is significantly less slippery than previously thought, and that the rate of ice flow can be affected by changes in temperature, water content and ice thickness.
The research team also identified an unexpected source of motion in the ice sheet: the presence of small amounts of water beneath the ice. This water can cause the ice to deform and move, even in areas where the ice is relatively cold and thick.
The findings of this study offer a more detailed understanding of the behavior of the Greenland Ice Sheet and could help scientists better predict how it will respond to future climate change.
2023-02-10 14:00:01
Source from phys.org
Recent research has shown that the Greenland ice sheet is shifting more rapidly than initially expected, causing concern among scientists and environmentalists alike.
First, a team of researchers from the Arctic Centre at the University of Lapland used satellite images to measure the rate of glacier melting in Greenland for the first time. Their findings suggested that the Ice Sheet was melting two times faster than predicted, leading the researchers to conclude that global warming was having a more significant impact on the Ice Sheet than previously thought.
In addition, a separate team from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) used atmospheric and data from satellites, along with direct observations from the ground, to uncover an increase in ice speed and to map patterns in the glacial shifting. The findings showed that the Ice Sheet was moving in a number of different directions, suggesting that its overall movements over the past few decades had been more complex than previously thought.
These new studies are offering more insights into the nature of Greenland’s ice sheet than ever before. The researchers are now working to better understand the behavior of the Ice Sheet over time and the effects of climate change on its shifting. They are also exploring methods to slow down the rate of melting and minimize the impacts of global warming.
Overall, these findings are encouraging, as they give scientists a more comprehensive view of the Greenland Ice Sheet and could help us prevent further melting and other climate-related damage. With more research and monitoring, we may be able to find a way to keep this treasured glacier from disappearing.