Greenland ice cracks are widening, potentially speeding the rise of global sea levels

Greenland's ice cracks expand, impacting sea level rise estimates, as recent research underscores crevasse dynamics.

: A study on the Greenland Ice Sheet highlights the role of crevasse formation in accelerating sea level rise. Between 2016 and 2021, the widening of these cracks increased meltwater flow, affecting ice sheet movement. Research by Thomas Chudley used 3D imaging to map crevasses, suggesting current models might underestimate melt rates due to crevasses. The study predicts a potential 3-foot sea level rise by 2100 from Greenland's melt.

Recent findings by glaciologist Thomas Chudley reveal significant trends in crevasse expansion on the Greenland Ice Sheet, which may accelerate global sea level rise. Advanced imaging documented a widening trend in crevasses between 2016 and 2021, suggesting much of the meltwater flows through these fractures, influencing ice sheet dynamics.

William Colgan remarks on the accelerated expansion across Greenland's outlet glaciers, highlighting its implications for ice sheet modeling. Current models may underestimate their impact, as widening crevasses increase water flow to the ice sheet's base, creating a feedback loop that hastens ice loss.

The coastal retreat adds complexities to estimating Greenland’s annual ice discharge. While glacial melts could raise sea levels by 3 feet by 2100, the entire Greenland melt would elevate it by 23 feet, though over thousands of years, indicating alarming potential impacts.

CrevassesSea level riseGlaciology