The Greenland Ice Sheet, shown in an image of Jakobshavn Glacier, is melting at an unprecedented pace. Scientists now have access to precise measurements of the ice sheet’s shape and volume thanks to two advanced satellite missions, ESA’s CryoSat and NASA’s ICESat-2.
These satellites, which have joined forces, deliver data that surpasses previous limits, providing a more complete view of the Greenland Ice Sheet’s changes. Researchers from the UK Centre for Polar Observation and Modelling (CPOM) led this collaboration, with Nitin Ravinder confirming that CryoSat can capture ice elevation changes with impressive accuracy.
The two satellites use different methods to measure the ice sheet: one relies on radar, which can penetrate clouds but requires careful adjustments, while the other uses laser measurements. By combining these data sets, scientists have achieved agreement within 3% of what is actually happening, providing a stronger confidence in their measurements.
This partnership represents an exciting step forward for climate research and serves as valuable information for policymakers and scientists studying global sea level rise. The accurate data will help governments make informed decisions about coastal infrastructure planning and support millions of people living near shores worldwide.
As Greenland’s glaciers break apart due to climate change, this new data is crucial in understanding the impact on local communities, wildlife, and global weather patterns. With the CryoSat-2 ICESat-2 mission, scientists can now better understand the future and develop strategies for adaptation.
Source: https://www.earth.com/news/greenland-ice-sheet-jakobshavn-glacier-seen-melting-in-real-time-from-earth-orbit