# Greenland’s Ice Sheet Is Slip-Sliding Away

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2006/06/greenlands-ice-sheet-is-slip-sliding-away/
- Published: 2006-06-28T20:40:00-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

# **Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets are melting find new studies**

The European Space Agency
 March 17, 2006**

Scientists have confirmed that climate warming is changing how much water remains
locked in the Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets, according to an article published
in the Journal of Glaciology.
 Recent radar altimeter data from ESA’s ERS-1 and 
ERS-2, Jay Zwally, a scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, and his colleagues
mapped the height of the ice sheets and found there was a net loss of ice from the
combined sheets between 1992 and 2002 and a [corresponding rise in sea levels.](https://news.mongabay.com/2006/0305-antarctica.html)

The study found that Antarctica lost much more ice to the sea than it gained from
snowfall, resulting in an increase in sea level. All the while [Greenland ice](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/03/half-price-books-went-100-green-power/)
sheets gained more ice from snowfall. Especially at high altitudes than it lost 
from melting ice along its coast.

A recent study by Eric Rignot of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and University
of Kansas scientist Pannir Kanagaratnam, published in Science in February, showed
Greenland glaciers are melting into the sea twice as fast as previously believed.

![Ice glacier](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/iceberg-
antarctica-polar-blue-53389-1-1.jpg?resize=420%2C288&quality=52&ssl=1 "iceberg-antarctica-
polar-blue-53389-1 - The Green Living Guy")

## The massive glaciers are deteriorating twice as fast as they were five years ago.

Polar ice plays a crucial role in regulating global climate because it reflects 
about 80 percent of the incoming sunlight. If the ice caps over the polar ocean 
melt, the ocean water would absorb a large part of the radiation energy, which would
lead to further melting of the ice and further warming of the climate.

According to the NASA study, published in the March edition, 20 billion net tonnes
of water are added to oceans each year as a result of Greenland’s ice sheet gaining
some 11 billion tonnes of water annually, while Antarctica loses about 31 billion
tonnes per year.

Finally, as [Phys.org](https://phys.org/news/2006-02-greenland-ice-faster-thought.html)
said: The evolution of Greenland’s ice sheet is being driven by several factors.
These include accumulation of snow in its interior. Also which adds mass and lowers
sea level. In addition, melting of ice along its edges. That which decreases mass
and raises sea level. Finally and the flow of ice into the sea from outlet glaciers
along its edges. All which also decreases mass and raises sea level.

### Glacier Ice Flow

This study focuses on the least well known component of change. One which is called
glacial ice flow. Its results are combined with estimates of changes in snow accumulation
and ice melt. All from an independent study. For that’s to determine the total change
in mass of the Greenland ice sheet.

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
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