Satellites reveal Greenland and Antarctica lost over 12 trillion tons of ice since 1979
A new study published in Scientific Data reports that satellites detected more than 12 trillion tons of ice melting from Greenland and Antarctica between 1979 and today.
Warm waters drive most of the melt
Researchers found that five-sixths of this loss comes from warmer ocean water eroding the ice sheets rather than hot air. This underwater melting process pushes glaciers to flow faster into the seas. The study authors note that these findings are based on data collected over a forty-seven year period.
Sea levels rose by an inch
The massive volume of melted ice converted into nearly three quadrillion gallons of liquid water. This influx contributed to a global rise in ocean height of approximately one inch since the late 1970s. Scientists warn that this trend exacerbates risks for coastal communities worldwide.
Future vulnerability increases globally
Eric Rignot from the University of California, Irvine stated that polar regions are disappearing rapidly. He explained that rising sea levels will make low-lying areas more susceptible to flooding in coming decades. The report emphasizes that current rates of ice loss are accelerating due to a warming planet.
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