Greenland’s Bedrock Rises as Ice Melts Away: A Sign of Climate Change

Greenland’s bedrock is experiencing a fascinating phenomenon: it’s getting taller. This surprising uplift is a direct result of the immense ice loss that the region is undergoing. As Greenland’s glaciers flow into the sea, they release their weight from the landmass, causing it to rise akin to a decompressing mattress.

This process, known as glacial isostatic rebound, has been ongoing since the end of the last ice age around 11,700 years ago. However, modern-day climate change has accelerated this phenomenon. Recent research indicates that Greenland is losing approximately 262 gigatons of ice annually, with its peripheral glaciers alone contributing about 42 gigatons to this loss.

A new study, published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters, sheds light on the extent to which glacial ice loss is driving Greenland’s uplift. By analyzing data from 58 GPS monitors drilled into the bedrock since 2007, researchers discovered that in some areas, ice loss accounts for nearly a third of the total vertical land motion.

Danjal Longfors Berg, a doctoral student at the Technical University of Denmark and lead author of the study, emphasizes the significance of understanding Greenland’s bedrock rise as a complementary measure of ice loss. The study identified specific regions where ice loss from glaciers contributes significantly to the land’s uplift, with one area near Kangerlussuaq Glacier in southeast Greenland experiencing a remarkable rise of about 0.3 inches (8 millimeters) per year.

By combining various techniques such as altimetry, gravity measurements, and vertical land motion, scientists can precisely quantify Greenland’s ice loss and its contribution to rising sea levels. This comprehensive approach enables more accurate assessments of the impact of melting ice on global sea level rise.

In essence, Greenland’s expanding bedrock serves as a visible indicator of the profound changes occurring in the region due to climate change. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for predicting future sea level rise and implementing effective mitigation strategies.