Greenland Glacier Calves 18 Million Tonnes as Scientists Probe Ocean-Driven Ice Loss
Updated
Updated · British Antarctic Survey · Aug 5
Greenland Glacier Calves 18 Million Tonnes as Scientists Probe Ocean-Driven Ice Loss
3 articles · Updated · British Antarctic Survey · Aug 5
Summary
An estimated 18 million metric tonnes of ice broke from Sorgenfri Gletsjer in East Greenland during the GIANT expedition, as a 1-km section of glacier front calved off in a single event.
Scientists are studying how warming ocean water drives melting and calving at Greenland's glaciers, processes they say are still poorly represented in climate simulations.
More than 1 km from the ice face, the RRS Sir David Attenborough turned quickly into a safer position as the calving began; the crew reported no danger to ship or personnel.
Autonomous vehicles including Gavia, EcoSubs, DriX, Meltstake and Autosub Long Range — Boaty McBoatface — are being used to collect data near the glacier front where it is too dangerous for humans.
The event came as Greenland's ice sheet continues to lose mass at record rates, even though summer calving remains a normal part of ocean-terminating glacier cycles.