New Study Reveals “Remarkable” Glacier Loss in Climate Change Hotspot
A recent University of Bristol study, published in Nature Communications, reveals the rapid shrinkage of glaciers in Svalbard, Norway, over the past 40 years. The study shows that 91% of glaciers have significantly retreated, losing over 800 square kilometers of ice since 1985. Moreover, 62% now experience seasonal calving cycles due to rising temperatures in both the ocean and air.
Lead author Dr. Tian Li explained, “The scale of retreat in Svalbard, warming seven times faster than the global average, underscores the glaciers’ vulnerability to climate change.” These findings highlight the pressing need to address the accelerating effects of global warming.
To analyze glacier patterns, the team used AI to examine millions of satellite images, mapping glacier end positions across Svalbard.
AI Analysis Reveals Unprecedented Detail on Glacier Loss, with 2016 Seeing a Surge in Calving Rates
The study revealed significant glacier loss, with the most notable retreat in 2016 when calving rates doubled the 2010-2015 average, likely due to extreme warming.
“This likely resulted from atmospheric blocking, which affects atmospheric pressures,” said Dr. Li.
As atmospheric blocking increases and regional warming continues, researchers expect glacier retreats to accelerate, impacting ocean circulation and Arctic ecosystems.
Svalbard’s low-lying ice fields and location in the high North Atlantic make it highly vulnerable to climate change, contributing to its rapid warming.
Co-author Jonathan Bamber noted, “Our study provides key insights into how glacier calving responds to climate change in this warming region.”
Read Original Article: Scitechdaily
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