Greenland, Antarctic Ice Sheets Lost 12.5 Trillion Tons Since 1979
New research indicates that Greenland and Antarctica have shed 12.5 trillion tons of ice since 1979. Scientists attribute the melt to warmer ocean waters eroding the ice sheets from below and along their edges.
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Why it matters locally: The significant loss of ice from Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets contributes to global sea-level rise, which directly impacts Virginia's coastal communities and infrastructure, particularly in the Hampton Roads region, by increasing the risk of flooding and erosion.
Scientists have determined that Greenland and Antarctica collectively lost 12.5 trillion tons of ice between 1979 and 2022. A recent report documented this substantial reduction in ice mass across both polar regions. Researchers identified warmer ocean waters as the primary factor driving this ice loss. These warmer waters eroded the ice sheets from underneath and along their perimeters. Satellite measurements collected over the 43-year period provided the data for the analysis. The findings detail the extent of ice sheet changes on Earth.Related Topics
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