Shrinking glaciers exposed 2,500 kilometres of coastline and 35 ‘new’ islands in the Arctic between 2000 and 2020, new research has found.
Scientists examined satellite images of more than 1,700 ice caps in Greenland, Alaska, the Canadian Arctic, the Russian Arctic, Iceland, and Svalbard over this 20-year period. Their analysis shows that 85 percent of these glaciers retreated, uncovering an average of 76 miles (123 kilometres) of new coastline per year.
As global temperatures rise, glaciers are experiencing increasingly rapid retreat. The glacier’s base, known as the ‘terminus, begins to melt, shrinking the overall length of the ice cap.
The researchers mapped the 1532 miles (2,466 kilometres) of coastline exposed between 2000 and 2020 using satellite imagery of 1,704 marine-terminating glaciers in the northern hemisphere. Two-thirds of the new coast was located in Greenland.
The retreat of the Zachariae Isstrom glacier in the northeast of the country has decisively created 81 kilometers of new coastline—more than double the amount created by any other glacier in the study.
The melting of glaciers has unveiled 35 new islands, each exceeding 0.5 square kilometers in area. These islands are now fully exposed or have severed their connection to the mainland due to glacial retreat.
The study clearly establishes that climate change’s rising ocean and air temperatures are the primary driver of this rapid mass loss in marine-terminating glaciers.
Researchers caution that the retreat of marine-terminating glaciers not only changes the landscape but also poses indirect risks to local communities and economic activities in coastal areas.
The newly exposed coastlines, referred to as ‘paraglacial,’ are more vulnerable to landslides, which can trigger dangerous tsunamis. The study examines the June 2017 tsunami in Greenland, which caused extensive infrastructure damage and loss of life.
An environmental sciences lecturer noted in Nature Climate Change that paraglacial coasts differ from established Arctic coastlines because they lack developed permafrost, making them more susceptible to erosion from wave action and landslides.
The research authors highlight that coastal glacial areas are highly dynamic, posing safety risks for tourists. They warn that camping and activities near major iceberg transport routes may be endangered by iceberg roll waves.
Extreme wave impacts pose health and safety risks, and the tourism industry may be affected as marine-terminating glaciers turn into land-terminating features, altering the landscape’s scenic beauty.
Matthew 24:37 But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Matthew 24:38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
Matthew 24:39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Luke 21:11 And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and diseases; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.
Luke 21:25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
Luke 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
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