May 14, 2024

We Asked a NASA Scientist: Is Polar Ice Melting?

Polar ice is undoubtedly melting, a procedure that is not only about the melting itself, however also about the balance in between the ice and the snowfall melt. NASAs satellite lasers keep an eye on the density of the ice in Antarctica and Greenland, recognizing where the ice sheets are losing and thinning mass most quickly into the ocean. Currently, polar ice melt is the main factor to water level rise, leading researchers to persistently study the relationship between ice sheets and sea levels.
Is polar ice melting?
The straightforward and simple response is yes. It is, in fact, melting. However its a bit more complicated than that. You can consider ice sheets or Antarctica and Greenland as a bath tub filled with water. And we wish to know how much is entering into that tub and just how much is coming out.
For instance, snow falling over the ice sheet is like running the faucet. You turn on the faucet, it fills up with water, and after that melting when you get a warm ocean or a warm environment, its opening up the drain and letting water out. So its not just about melting. Its likewise about just how much snow falls and what the balance is there.
Is polar ice melting? NASA researcher Dr. Brooke Medley informs us how NASA studies the relationship in between ice sheets and sea level to better comprehend our altering planet.

Polar ice is certainly melting, a process that is not only about the melting itself, but also about the balance between the ice and the snowfall melt. NASAs satellite lasers keep an eye on the density of the ice in Antarctica and Greenland, determining where the ice sheets are thinning and losing mass most rapidly into the ocean. As of now, polar ice melt is the main factor to sea level increase, leading scientists to constantly study the relationship between ice sheets and sea levels.
NASA scientist Dr. Brooke Medley informs us how NASA studies the relationship between ice sheets and sea level to better comprehend our changing world. And thats why NASA has scientists like myself studying the relationship between ice sheets and sea level every day.

By NASA
June 17, 2023

At NASA, we are able to keep an eye on both Antarctica and Greenland really quickly from area. And we have satellite lasers that in fact measure the density of the ice through time. And so we can actually keep an eye on where the ice sheets are thinning and most quickly losing mass into the ocean.
Is polar ice melting? And thats why NASA has researchers like myself studying the relationship in between ice sheets and sea level every day.
We Asked a NASA Expert Video Series