Scientists have discovered a rare phenomenon in Greenland where the buildup of meltwater under the ice sheet leads to massive flooding, fracturing the surface and causing widespread destruction. The event, which occurred in 2014, is significant as it provides new insights into how Greenland’s ice sheet will change as climate warming accelerates.
Researchers used satellite data to study the phenomenon, which revealed an area of approximately 2 square kilometers dropping in elevation by 85 meters over a 10-day period. This collapse was likely caused by the sudden drainage of meltwater from beneath the ice, resulting in the release of around 90 million cubic meters of water.
The findings suggest that subglacial lakes and meltwater play a crucial role in shaping the Greenland Ice Sheet’s dynamics. The researchers found evidence of “water blisters,” where liquid lakes under the ice buckle upwards as they melt, causing the surface to rise before collapsing.
This event highlights the importance of understanding the complex hydrological system beneath the ice sheet. As climate change continues to accelerate melting rates, scientists warn that this knowledge is critical for predicting future changes in the ice sheet’s behavior.
The research has shed new light on the dynamic environment under the ice, providing valuable insights into how Greenland’s ice sheet will evolve in the coming years.
Source: https://www.sciencealert.com/90-billion-liters-of-water-punched-through-greenlands-ice-sheet-and-nobody-noticed