1 by land and 1 by sea
The mission targeted the rapidly-changing Thwaites Glacier, a high-priority area for researchers. Scientists recorded new measurements to build a record of change in the Antarctic, combining them with previously gathered data.
Glaciers
Articles tagged with Glaciers
Glacial youth therapy for the Scandinavian landscape
A new study in Nature Geoscience reveals that the high-elevation flat surfaces of Norway's landscape are geologically young due to extensive glacial erosion. The research contradicts previous views and suggests a complete re-interpretation of Scandinavia's tectonic history.
Geosphere adds to four themed issues, plus more new science
Researchers published new studies on the geology of Nevada, Alaska, and Arizona, shedding light on major faults, river systems, and tectonic processes. These findings provide new insights into the region's geological history and have significant implications for understanding natural disasters.
Warming ocean could start big shift of Antarctic ice
A new study reveals how warming waters in the Southern Ocean can connect with the movement of massive ice-sheets deep in the Antarctic interior. The research found that ocean warming can trigger increased flow of ice through narrow glaciers, causing inland sectors of the ice-sheet to become thinner and flow faster.
SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 19, 2012
Alpine glaciers contribute to carbon cycling
Researchers have discovered that Alpine glaciers contain diverse biogeochemical complexes of dissolved organic matter, which is surprisingly bioavailable. This finding highlights the importance of glaciers as 'freezers' that preserve organic matter for microbial heterotrophs.
How fast can ice sheets respond to climate change?
Scientists found that glaciers on Baffin Island expanded quickly during a short-lived cold snap about 8,200 years ago, providing insight into ice sheets' response to past climate change. This discovery suggests that ice sheets may react rapidly to temperature shifts, raising concerns for future climate change.
AGU: Glacial thinning has sharply accelerated at major South American icefields
A new study finds that the rate of glacier thinning has increased by about half over the last decade in the Southern Patagonian Icefield, contributing to rising sea levels. The icefields have lost enough water to cover the entire US with 2.7 cm of water, with glaciers thinning at an average rate of 1.8 meters per year.
Antarctic ice sheet quakes shed light on ice movement and earthquakes
Researchers analyzed seismic activity in Antarctica's David Glacier and found repeating earthquakes every 25 minutes for a year. This study sheds light on stick slip earthquakes and provides a model for understanding ice sheet flow.
Researchers analyze melting glaciers and water resources in Central Asia
The study reveals that glaciers in the Tien Shan Mountains have lost between 0.1% and 0.8% of their surface per year, with the largest retreat observed on the periphery near major cities. This affects the seasonal distribution of water, which will exacerbate droughts during summers.
Rubbing boulders, fossil mammal teeth, barrier islands, and a change in volcanic behavior
Researchers track changing aridity patterns across the Northern Hemisphere using fossil mammal data, while also studying a change in volcanic behavior at Pisciarelli, Italy. In the Atacama Desert, they discover new barrier islands and explore periglacial weathering mechanisms.
Glacier break creates ice island 2 times the size of Manhattan
A recent glacier break in Greenland has created an ice island approximately 46 square miles in size, similar to the mega-calving event that occurred two years ago. This phenomenon highlights the ongoing melting and reduction of the Greenland ice sheet due to global climate change.
New deglaciation data opens door for earlier First Americans migration
A new study of lake sediment cores from Sanak Island in the western Gulf of Alaska suggests that deglaciation occurred 1,500-2,000 years earlier than previously thought. This finding opens the door for re-evaluating coastal migration models for the Americas.
Ancient story of Dartmoor tors has an ice-cold twist
A new study reveals that an ice cap and valley glaciers were present in the centre of Dartmoor during the last Ice Age, sculpting its rocky landscape. The research found distinctive outer tors survived while inner tors were destroyed or prevented from forming due to the glacier's presence.
Where have all the hummingbirds gone?
Climate change is causing glacier lilies to bloom earlier than expected, disrupting the timing of broad-tailed hummingbirds' arrival, which depends on the flowers for nectar. The biologists predict that if current trends continue, hummingbirds will miss the first blooms entirely in two decades.
Greenland's current loss of ice mass
Research reveals Greenland's ice sheet is losing mass at an unprecedented rate, with melting and calving processes increasing by 0.07mm/year annually since 2005. The study provides insights into the impact of regional weather patterns on ice sheet dynamics.
Discovery of historical photos sheds light on Greenland ice loss
Researchers analyzed 80-year-old photo plates and found that glaciers were melting faster today than in the 1930s, with most glaciers retreating at an average of 20 meters per year. A brief cooling period in the mid-20th century allowed new ice to form before accelerating again.
Old aerial photos supply new knowledge on glaciers in Greenland
Researchers from University of Copenhagen analyzed 80-year-old aerial photos to study glacial evolution in Greenland. The results show that glaciers can recover within a short timeframe if temperatures decrease, contradicting current global warming models.
Analysis of speed of Greenland glaciers gives new insight for rising sea level
Scientists have analyzed the speed of over 200 Greenland outlet glaciers, finding they are moving at a slower rate than previously thought. The study suggests that the rate at which these glaciers can dump ice into the ocean is limited, with a possible contribution of only four inches to sea level rise by 2100.
Caltech researchers use stalagmites to study past climate change
Researchers used stalagmites to reconstruct a history of the tropical West Pacific's climate over four glacial cycles, finding no evidence of a sudden shift in peak interglacial conditions following a key event. Instead, they found extreme drying in the tropics coincided with abrupt climate changes in high latitudes.
Increasing speed of Greenland glaciers gives new insight for rising sea level
A new study shows Greenland's contribution to rising sea levels may be less than expected due to a 30% speedup in outlet glaciers. This means the ice sheet could contribute up to nearly 19 inches of sea level rise by 2100, but long-term behavior is still uncertain.
From tiny grains of sand to the growth of a mountain range
Researchers uncover ancient deformation ages of the Dead Sea fault zone, linking them to climate change in Northern Hemisphere. In southern Patagonia, warming caused glaciers to retreat early, while microbes played a key role in ooid formation.
Warm ocean currents cause majority of ice loss from Antarctica
A new study by British Antarctic Survey reveals that warm ocean currents are the dominant cause of recent ice loss from Antarctica. The research found that 20 out of 54 ice shelves around Antarctica are being melted by warm ocean currents, most of which are in West Antarctica.
State of Himalayan glaciers less alarming than feared
Research finds Himalayan glacier shrinkage scenarios exaggerated, with average length decreases of 15-20 meters and area losses of 0.1-0.6 percent per year. Glaciers are more variable than predicted, posing a threat to local populations and glacial lakes.
Montana State study compares growth around Yellowstone, Glacier and other national parks
A Montana State University study found that population densities around some US national parks rose 2,000-3,100% between 1940 and 2000, while housing densities grew 11-13.6%. The study also identified unique challenges for each of the five land-use category categories, including wildland-protected and urban parks.
West Antarctic ice shelves tearing apart at the seams
A new study reveals that West Antarctica's floating ice shelves are fracturing and retreating inland, potentially accelerating ice loss to the sea. The research found that the margins of these ice shelves are heavily rifted, resembling a cracked mirror in satellite imagery.
Melting glaciers, enough sand to bury London, and ancient ecosystem engineering
Researchers found evidence of glacier sensitivity to rising temperatures and a massive body of sand in the North Sea large enough to cover London. They also uncovered the oldest evidence of animals burrowing for food, which coincides with the earliest ecological differentiation of macroscopic communities.
Glacier-fed river systems threatened by climate change
Glacier-fed river ecosystems face extinction due to climate change, with up to 11-38% loss of species adapted to glacial streams. Researchers from the University of Copenhagen warn that this could have unknown consequences for ecosystem functioning.
Magma fingers, volcanic plumbing, knickzones, and atmospheric river events
Studies investigate magma fingers, knickzones, and debris flows in the Sierra Nevada and Pacific Northwest. Magma fingers form through focused porous flow and channeling, while knickzones indicate base-level fall along rivers.
New study links dust to increased glacier melting, ocean productivity
Researchers found a link between large dust storms on southern Iceland and accelerated glacial melting, while also increasing nutrients in the North Atlantic Ocean. The iron-rich dust boosts ocean primary productivity and stimulates marine biota growth, drawing down CO2 from the atmosphere.
SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalScience·DateMar 1, 2012
Glacial carbon may hold record of environmental change
A study published in Nature Geoscience reveals that glaciers provide a significant source of modern organic carbon to downstream ecosystems, indicating the widespread influence of human activities on pristine environments. The findings suggest that glacier ecosystems are highly sensitive to climate warming and industrial pollution.
UC geographers present research on climate change, day laborers and more at national conference
Researchers from UC presented studies on water management in ancient Maya cities, changes to global glaciers, US manufacturing location decisions in China, airline hub locations and food deserts in Hamilton County, Ohio. The research aims to provide reliable data for decision-making and improve understanding of environmental changes.
Glaciers: A window into human impact on the global carbon cycle
Research reveals glaciers record anthropogenic perturbation, highlighting the impact of human activities on the global carbon cycle. The study found that glacier ecosystems are post-industrial and provide a unique perspective for understanding climate change.
CU-Boulder study shows global glaciers, ice caps, shedding billions of tons of mass annually
A new study led by CU-Boulder shows that global glaciers and ice caps are shedding roughly 150 billion tons of ice annually, contributing to sea level rise. This is equivalent to losing about 39 cubic miles of ice from 2003 to 2010.
Land-cover changes do not impact glacier loss
A recent study by University of Innsbruck climate researchers found that land-cover changes have a limited effect on glacier loss in the Kilimanjaro area. The team's novel methodology showed that LCC mainly alter precipitation over glaciers, resulting in local increases or decreases in glacier mass.
Hardy bacteria help make case for life in the extreme
Researchers have discovered two types of bacteria that can survive at extremely cold temperatures, including the bottom of Arctic and Antarctic glaciers. The bacteria, Chryseobacterium and Paenisporosarcina, respire in ice at temperatures ranging from -27 to 24 degrees Fahrenheit, using acetate as an energy source.
New cores from glacier in the Eastern European Alps may yield new climate clues
The retrieval of four cores from a glacier high atop Mount Ortles may provide valuable insights into past climate changes and environmental shifts in the region. The cores contain unaltered ice that could reveal a climate history spanning several centuries, including the Medieval Warm Period and the Little Ice Age.
Glacial tap is open but the water will run dry
Glaciers are shrinking at a rapid pace, with water levels potentially decreasing by 30% during the dry season. The accelerated glacial retreat poses serious problems for millions of people dependent on the water for electricity, agriculture, and drinking water.
Tropical sea temperatures influence melting in Antarctica
Research suggests that tropical sea-surface temperatures may contribute to accelerated melting of Antarctic glaciers, such as Pine Island and Thwaites, due to westerly winds. This phenomenon is linked to changes in atmospheric circulation influenced by warmer-than-usual sea-surface temperatures in the central tropics.
USAID, CU-Boulder partner to study water resources in Asia mountains
A four-year study assesses freshwater resources in the High Asia region, encompassing five mountain ranges and watersheds totaling 1 million square miles. The research aims to provide accurate data on snow and glacier contributions to river discharge, helping forecast water resource availability and vulnerability.
New reports identify impacts of climate change on world's highest mountains
New reports identify extreme vulnerability of Asia's mountainous Hindu Kush-Himalayan region to climate change, with rising temperatures disturbing the balance of snow, ice, and water. Glaciers are shrinking at a rate of 22 percent in Bhutan and 21 percent in Nepal over the past 30 years.
UNH scientists to provide sea level rise data for next IPCC report
Scientists at University of New Hampshire will provide sea level rise data for next IPCC report. The data, currently poorly understood, will be used to estimate the contribution of mountain glaciers to sea level rise.
Taking the pulse of an iceberg -- scientists simulate laser imaging for NASA missions
A team from RIT and UB is simulating laser imaging for NASA's ICESat-2 mission to better interpret changes in polar ice. The technology will create three-dimensional renderings of ice sheets and glaciers, allowing scientists to measure annual changes in ice-sheet thickness with high accuracy.
Winners named for the 2011 AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Awards
The 2011 AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Awards honored journalists Mark Johnson and Kathleen Gallagher for their compelling series on the use of genetic analysis to find the cause of an unknown disease. The awards also recognized Christine Peterson, Kerry Huller, and Wes Watson of the Casper Star-Tribune for their series on the shrinkin...
International team to drill beneath massive Antarctic ice shelf
A multidisciplinary team will deploy to Pine Island Glacier in Antarctica to measure the shape of the cavity underneath the ice shelf and determine how warm ocean water interacts with it. The goal is to understand why the glacier is accelerating and contributing to sea-level rise.
Watching the birth of an iceberg
Scientists have witnessed the birth of a major iceberg on Pine Island Glacier, providing valuable insights into the natural process of glacier calving. The data collected by NASA's Operation IceBridge will help researchers better understand the dynamics of ice sheets and glaciers.
Scientists predict faster retreat for Antarctica's Thwaites Glacier
Scientists predict a faster retreat for Antarctica's Thwaites Glacier within 20 years as it detaches from an underwater ridge. The glacier's grounding line is being exposed to warm ocean currents, leading to increased melting and potential sea level rise.
Glaciers in southwest China feel the brunt of climate change
Scientists found significant increases in annual temperatures in south-western China, with 77% of weather stations displaying statistically significant rises. Glaciers are retreating at an alarming rate, threatening natural habitats and ecosystems.
Extreme melting on Greenland ice sheet, reports CCNY team
A CCNY team analysis suggests the Greenland ice sheet can experience record-breaking melting even without record-high temperatures due to positive feedback mechanisms. The team's findings indicate a near-record loss of snow and ice, with melting continuing even without last year's record highs.
This month in ecological science
Glacier Bay's de-glaciation reveals new stream ecosystems supporting salmon migration; overfishing in lakes may not impact fish scarcity due to anglers' priorities.
Long-lost Lake Agassiz offers clues to climate change
Researchers studying Lake Agassiz, a massive lake that once covered much of Canada and the US, have found evidence suggesting that increased evaporation, not outflow, caused a significant drop in water levels during the Younger Dryas cold interval. This finding provides insights into climate change and its effects on global systems.
Rising carbon dioxide levels at end of last ice age not tied to Pacific Ocean, as had been suspected
Scientists have long hypothesized that the Pacific Ocean was a significant source of carbon dioxide during glacial times. However, a new study suggests that this may not be the case, forcing researchers to reassess their ideas about the fundamental mechanisms that regulate atmospheric carbon dioxide over long time scales.
GSA Bulletin highlights: New research posted Sept. 2, 2011
Researchers studied arroyo cycles and canyon paleoflood records in Utah, magma formation in the Karakoram shear zone in India, and brine origin in the Alberta Basin. They found that arroyo cycles control chronologies of paleoflood sequences and that magma formation in the Karakoram shear zone provides pathways for removing magma from d...
Research finds Greenland glacier melting faster than expected
A team of researchers has found that Greenland's Mittivakkat Glacier is melting at an unprecedented rate, with two consecutive record losses in mass observations for 2010 and 2011. The findings suggest that the glacier's mass balance has been negatively affected by higher surface temperatures and low precipitation.
Researchers improving GPS accuracy in the 3rd dimension
Developed by Ohio State University researchers, the software improves GPS vertical accuracy in hazardous regions and can be used to measure glacier melting. Initial tests showed accurate positioning within centimeters of accuracy, with a success rate of up to 97%.
Researchers provide detailed picture of ice loss following the collapse of Antarctic ice shelves
A study combining satellite data from NASA and aircraft missions has provided the clearest account yet of glacial ice surges into the sea after Antarctic ice shelves collapse. The research reveals rapid elevation decreases of over 500 feet for some glaciers, with total ice loss estimated at 11.2 gigatons per year.
Fast-shrinking Greenland glacier experienced rapid growth during cooler times
A University at Buffalo study found that Jakobshavn Isbrae expanded outward at a similar pace as it retreated in recent years, supporting evidence that calving glaciers are sensitive to climate change. The glacier's growth was linked to the Little Ice Age period around 200 years ago.
Lie of the land beneath glaciers influences impact on sea levels
Researchers found that the Slessor glacier in Antarctica has not thinned significantly since the last ice age due to a large trough in the land. This discovery will help scientists improve their understanding of how ice sheet movements affect sea levels, enabling more accurate projections of future change.
Warming ocean layers will undermine polar ice sheets
New research suggests that warming ocean layers surrounding the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets will melt underwater portions faster than previously thought. This would increase sea level rise more than already projected.
Ocean currents speed melting of Antarctic ice
Stronger ocean currents beneath West Antarctica's Pine Island Glacier Ice Shelf are eroding the ice from below, speeding its melting. The glacier is sliding into the sea at four kilometers a year, while its ice shelf is melting at 80 cubic kilometers a year.
Meltzone 2011: CCNY expedition to track life and death of supraglacial lake
A team led by Dr. Marco Tedesco is tracking the lifecycle of a supraglacial lake on the Jakobshavn Isbræ glacier in Greenland. The team will study the lake's formation, drainage, and impact on glaciers' flow towards the sea.