Environmental News

12 Percent Of Greenland Ice Sheet Melts Early This Year

IMAGE VIA PIXABAY

CBS News reported that spring has arrived early in Greenland this year. A melting area that accounts for 12 percent of the Greenland ice sheet has been created by 50°F temperature. According to the Danish Meteorological Institute (DMI) “almost 12 % of the Greenland ice sheet had more than 1mm of melt”.

Climate scientists at DMI were baffled by their findings. According to Peter Langen, a DMI scientist, researchers double checked their models to be sure their readings of the data were accurate – they were. Earlier dates of record ice sheet melt in Greenland were May 5th, 2010; May 8th, 2008; and May 8th, 1990. Now, April 11, 2016 joins the list.

Robert Fausto, a scientist at the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS), stated on Polar Portal that the temperatures observed in April were typically seen in July, but never in April. The Weather Network  reported temperatures on the ice sheet will cool down, but that the damage has already been done.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions trap solar radiation in Earth’s atmosphere and causes the planet to heat up.

An overwhelming body of science and facts has consistently shown that climate change, as a result of anthropogenic global warming, is happening. Carbon dioxide (CO2) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions trap solar radiation in Earth’s atmosphere and causes the planet to heat up.

CO2 and GHG emissions can come from industrialized sectors such as the automotive, agricultural and textile industries. As water temperatures rise and sea ice melts, water (H20) molecules expand using more surface area, thus contributing to sea-level rise. Furthermore, Arctic and Antarctic ice melt also contributes to sea-level rise worldwide. Rising seas have affected ecosystems around the globe.

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