Earth lost more than 12 trillion tons of ice from Greenland and Antarctica in 47 years, satellites show
Summary
Satellites have measured that Greenland and Antarctica have lost about 12.5 trillion tons of ice since 1979. Most of this ice melted because warmer ocean water is melting the ice sheets from below and the sides, which may cause sea levels to rise in the future.Key Facts
- Greenland and Antarctica lost around 12.5 trillion tons (11.3 trillion metric tons) of ice in 47 years since 1979.
- The amount of melted ice would cover the continental United States 5 feet (1.5 meters) deep.
- Most ice melt (about 5/6) is caused by warmer ocean waters, not just warmer air temperatures.
- Warmer water melts the ice sheets from underneath and around the sides.
- Melting glaciers flow into the ocean, contributing to rising sea levels.
- The findings were published in the journal Scientific Data.
- The melting of ice sheets is linked to Earth's warming climate.
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