How long before all the ice melts? - BBC World Service

BBC World Service・2 minutes read

Greenland's ice sheet is rapidly melting, contributing significantly to rising sea levels, with ice algae darkening the ice and accelerating melting. Efforts to reduce carbon emissions and understand the impact of melting ice sheets are crucial in addressing the escalating sea level rise.

Insights

  • Greenland's ice sheet, three and a half times the size of France, is melting rapidly, contributing significantly to rising sea levels, with the amount of meltwater doubling in the last 50 years.
  • Algae on Greenland's ice sheet, with a purple dye called purpurogallin, play a crucial role in accelerating melting by darkening the ice and absorbing more sunlight, showcasing the adaptability of life in extreme environments and impacting the ice sheet's melting process.

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Recent questions

  • Why is Greenland's ice sheet melting rapidly?

    Due to rising Arctic temperatures, Greenland's ice sheet is melting rapidly, with the amount of meltwater doubling in the last 50 years. This significant melting is a result of climate change and the warming of the Arctic region, leading to increased ice melt and contributing to rising sea levels.

  • Who is leading the research on Greenland's ice sheet?

    Climatologist Jason Box leads the team studying Greenland's ice sheet, collecting data on snow accumulation, ice melt, temperature, humidity, wind speed, and direction. With 28 years of research experience in Greenland, Box and his team aim to understand the melting process of the ice sheet and its impact on sea level rise.

  • What role do algae play in Greenland's ice sheet melting?

    Algae on Greenland's ice sheet, particularly in the Dark Zone, accelerate melting by darkening the ice and absorbing more sunlight. These ice algae have a purple dye called purpurogallin that protects them from sunlight, aiding their survival in harsh conditions. Their presence contributes to an eighth of the melt rate, impacting sea level rise.

  • How does Greenland's ice sheet melting impact sea levels?

    Even a small fraction of Greenland's ice melting could lead to a significant rise in sea levels, impacting low-lying areas globally. The projected contribution of Greenland's ice sheet to sea level rise is at least 27 centimeters, with a commitment to further rise. Efforts to reduce carbon emissions and slow down the acceleration of sea level rise are crucial in addressing this issue.

  • What is the difference between ice loss in Greenland and Antarctica?

    Antarctica loses ice mainly through carving icebergs, while Greenland loses ice through melting in the summer. If Antarctica were to melt entirely, it could lead to around 60 meters of global sea level rise, compared to Greenland's contribution of 7 meters. The rapid disappearance of glaciers worldwide is contributing to a half-meter sea level rise on average, emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate change.

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Summary

00:00

Greenland's Melting Ice Sheet: Climate Crisis

  • Greenland's ice sheet is melting rapidly due to rising Arctic temperatures, with the amount of meltwater doubling in the last 50 years.
  • Greenland is a significant contributor to rising sea levels, with the ice sheet being three and a half times the size of France.
  • The Greenland ice sheet is being studied by a team led by climatologist Jason Box, who has been researching there for 28 years.
  • The team collects data on snow accumulation, ice melt, temperature, humidity, wind speed, and direction to understand the ice sheet's melting process.
  • Even a small fraction of Greenland's ice melting could lead to a significant rise in sea levels, impacting low-lying areas.
  • Climate models struggle to keep up with the rapid changes observed in Greenland's ice sheet, highlighting the importance of on-site research.
  • The color of the ice sheet, particularly the Dark Zone where algae growth darkens the ice, plays a crucial role in accelerating melting.
  • Algae on the ice sheet have a purple dye called purpurogallin that protects them from sunlight, aiding their survival in harsh conditions.
  • Microbiologists are studying how these algae move from glacier to glacier, with the belief that they travel through the atmosphere.
  • The presence of algae on Greenland's ice sheet showcases the adaptability of life in extreme environments and its impact on the ice sheet's melting process.

16:02

"Ice Algae Accelerate Glacier Melting Worldwide"

  • Ice algae on glaciers are dark and absorb more sunlight, accelerating melting due to increased solar radiation.
  • The presence of ice algae on Greenland's ice sheet is contributing to an eighth of the melt rate, impacting sea level rise.
  • The future of Greenland's ice sheet involves darkening over larger areas, leading to more ice algae colonization.
  • The potential growth of ice algae on the ice sheet could significantly increase the rate of melting.
  • Attempts to remove ice algae are discouraged as they are considered a natural part of the ecosystem.
  • Greenland's ice sheet is projected to contribute at least 27 centimeters to sea level rise, with a commitment to further rise.
  • Antarctica, if melted entirely, could lead to around 60 meters of global sea level rise compared to Greenland's 7 meters.
  • Antarctica loses ice mainly through carving icebergs, while Greenland loses ice through melting in the summer.
  • Glaciers worldwide are rapidly disappearing, contributing to a half-meter sea level rise on average.
  • Efforts to reduce carbon emissions and implement carbon removal from the atmosphere can help slow down the acceleration of sea level rise.

31:30

Future of Living Post-Melting Poles

  • Johan from Slagelse, Denmark, questions where to live when the poles have melted, prompting a discussion on the impact of melting ice sheets on global living conditions, with answers to be revealed in the next episode of CrowdScience.
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