The ice melt in Greenland has reached a modern high level in the summer
of 2012, according to NASA. The giant Petermann Glacier produced
a giant calf for the second time in two years (2010 and 2012). The
extent of melt seen this summer was last experienced in 1889. The
expansion of the area melting grew from 40% to 97% of the ice sheet in
just four days from July 8 to the 12th. NASA scientists described the
rapidity of the expansion as “extraordinary”. On the other hand, Fox News
reports that skeptics say the concern about the melting event is
unwarranted. These skeptics say that this event occurs regularly, once
approximately every 150 years, on average.
Click on photo for large scenery view of Greenland village.
Click on photo for large scenery view of Greenland village.
Follow up:
As
sudden as this summer’s ice melt phenomenon may seem, it is part of a
progression of events that has been occurring for decades. The
following graph from EEA (European Environmental Agency) shows the
progression of ice melting for the 30 years 1978-2008.
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