Tracking hidden meltwater in Greenland with GPS
Bowler Hat Science from Matthew R Francis
OK, strictly speaking it’s not GPS but the broader system known as Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS, which I pronounce as “gneiss” because that’s the kind of person I am). However, my latest story connects a bunch of interesting methods — including gravitational measurements! — to understand how meltwater from the Greenland ice sheet gets to the ocean, a result with serious implications for our warming planet.
Greenland Ice Sheet Stores Hidden Water Throughout the Melt Season
For AGU Eos:
No single place on Earth displays the consequences of climate change as much as Greenland. The island is largely covered with an ice sheet, which contains enough water to raise global ocean levels by several meters were it all to melt. Even losing a fraction of that ice will flood island nations and coastal cities around the planet.
How quickly this happens depends on the path of the meltwater from ice sheet to sea and how long it takes, though spotting that complicated journey under the ice has been difficult. A recent study published in Nature tracked this water into and out of hidden pools beneath the surface by analyzing subtle changes in the vertical motion of the bedrock in Greenland, using Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) stations.
It’s called “research”
My big project I mentioned in the previous newsletter continues apace and might actually lead to something in the next few months (hopefully). Meanwhile, the classic comic strip “Nancy” has called me out.
Bowlerhattishly thine,
Matthew
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