03-10-2019, 04:13 AM
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-47485847
As rain becomes a more frequent occurrence in Greenland (which to scientists is a surprise), their ice is melting faster and faster. Usually, snow falling in the winter balances out any melting of the ice in the summer. Having rain fall instead is a huge problem. Looking at statistics, Greenland has about two rain spells every winter. However, this had risen to 12 spells by 2012. After further analysis of 300 occasions between 1979 and 2012, it is shown that rainfall is the cause for the melting. Even if the rain were to fall in the winter time and quickly refreeze, the characteristics of the surface would be altered, leaving it smoother, darker, and "pre-conditioned" to melt rapidly when summer comes. The darker the ice is, the more heat it absorbs from the sun. The volume of ice covering Greenland means the area is fated to have global repercussions if the melting continues to increase. If the massive Greenland ice-sheet melts, the sea levels would rise by about seven meters- threatening coastal populations. The major fear is that the flow of meltwater would accelerate temperature rise. Algae is also an influence in making the ice darker. I believe it is essential to look further into the ice in Greenland. We could be endangering the lives of many in coastal areas if the ice continues to melt and increase sea levels. With climate change becoming more of an issue, it is clear that it will rain more than snow. It only takes 14mm of rain to melt 15cm of snow in the area. I hope further action is taken, especially to deal with the algae.
As rain becomes a more frequent occurrence in Greenland (which to scientists is a surprise), their ice is melting faster and faster. Usually, snow falling in the winter balances out any melting of the ice in the summer. Having rain fall instead is a huge problem. Looking at statistics, Greenland has about two rain spells every winter. However, this had risen to 12 spells by 2012. After further analysis of 300 occasions between 1979 and 2012, it is shown that rainfall is the cause for the melting. Even if the rain were to fall in the winter time and quickly refreeze, the characteristics of the surface would be altered, leaving it smoother, darker, and "pre-conditioned" to melt rapidly when summer comes. The darker the ice is, the more heat it absorbs from the sun. The volume of ice covering Greenland means the area is fated to have global repercussions if the melting continues to increase. If the massive Greenland ice-sheet melts, the sea levels would rise by about seven meters- threatening coastal populations. The major fear is that the flow of meltwater would accelerate temperature rise. Algae is also an influence in making the ice darker. I believe it is essential to look further into the ice in Greenland. We could be endangering the lives of many in coastal areas if the ice continues to melt and increase sea levels. With climate change becoming more of an issue, it is clear that it will rain more than snow. It only takes 14mm of rain to melt 15cm of snow in the area. I hope further action is taken, especially to deal with the algae.