Lakes collapse and release meltwater during winter causing inland ice to speed up in Greenland, finds study

Introduction In recent years, climate change has been a subject of increasing scientific scrutiny, as temperatures continue to rise and the effects of global warming are becoming increasingly evident. Recently, the spotlight has been pointed towards the Arctic region, wherein a new study conducted by an international team of researchers has highlighted the importance of understanding one particular phenomenon: the collapse of 18 meltwater lakes in Greenland during winter, which can cause the edges of the ice to move quicker. This article will take a closer look at the research, delving into the details of the study and its implications in terms of climate change. Meltwater Lake Collapse in Greenland Meltwater lakes are known to form across the Greenland Ice Sheet during the summer months and spring, but far less is known about the behaviour of these water bodies when the snow melts and winter arrives. This prompted the researchers to investigate further, and thus an international team of scientists - led by Dr. Andrew Tedstone of University College London's Institute of Arctic Studies - set out to study how 18 meltwater lakes on the western edge of the Greenland Ice Sheet behaved during winter. Using data from a range of sources, including satellite images, as well as field observations and modelling, the team found that during winter, the edges of the lakes collapse, leading to a rapid flow of the ice. This process is known as "dynamic thinning", and can cause the area of the ice to become much wider than normal, resulting in an increase in speed. Implications of the Research The research, which was recently published in the journal Nature Geoscience, highlights the importance of understanding how meltwater lakes behave in order to accurately predict how climate change will affect ice masses in the Arctic. Knowing how the winter collapse of meltwater lakes affects the rate of flow of ice can also help to inform more accurate predictions of sea-level rise, as ice sheets in the region are more likely to be more mobile when the edges of the lakes collapse. Moreover, the research also reveals how climate change is likely to affect the region in the near future, as winter temperatures continue to increase, leading to greater melting of the Greenland Ice Sheet and consequently more meltwater lake collapse. If this were to occur, it could lead to an even faster rate of flow of the ice, and thus further implications for sea-level rise and the rate at which arctic ice melts. Conclusions In summary, the research conducted by the international team of scientists has highlighted the importance of understanding how climate change affects the collapse of meltwater lakes in Greenland. The results of the study indicate that if winter temperatures continue to rise and more meltwater lake collapse occurs, it could lead to a faster rate of flow of ice and greater implications for sea-level rise. It is therefore essential to continue researching new ways to understand, predict and mitigate the effects of climate change in the Arctic. This study is an important step in the right direction, and further research into the effects of meltwater lake collapse in Greenland can help to inform future policy decisions and help to protect the region from the devastating effects of global warming.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/lakes-collapse-and-release-meltwater-during-winter-causing-inland-ice-to-speed-up-in-greenland-finds-study

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