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A study released in 2009 shows that the glacial ice in Greenland is melting at an alarming rate. The study uses satellite data to track the yearly melt area. According to the "Trend" line on the graph below, the total melt area has been gradually increasing over the last decade.
EMBED Excel.Chart.8
＊Adapted from Dahl Jensen, Dorthe, and Steffen, Konrad. "Changes in the Greenland Ice Sheet." Synthesis Report from Climate Change: Global Risks, Challenges & Decisions. (University of Copenhagen, 2009)
One reason for the increasing ice melt is warmer coastal waters around the glaciers. Above-average temperatures have been recorded in the coastal areas of Greenland. This is causing ice to melt on the coasts.
Another reason for the increasing ice melt in Greenland is longer melt seasons. In Greenland, the melt season starts at the end of spring and ends in early fall. However, these seasons have been getting longer and longer each year. Because of this, glacial ice is being exposed to warmer weather for longer periods of time during the year.
Although many researchers believe that global warming is behind these alarming changes, it is important for them to try to understand the specific reasons behind these trends. If they understand the causes, maybe they can find a solution.