Scientists at the University of Maine are pioneering innovative methods to comprehend the impacts of climate change on the Greenland Ice Sheet. 

(Photo : Mario Tama/Getty Images)

UPERNAVIK, GREENLAND - SEPTEMBER 07: Icebergs are seen from NASA's Oceans Melting Greenland (OMG) research aircraft on September 7, 2021 near Upernavik, Greenland.

Enhancing Climate Models Though GPS-Tracked Icebergs

Employing GPS-tracked icebergs, researchers from the University of Maine meticulously monitor their trajectories as they traverse Greenland's Ilulissat Icefjord. 

This groundbreaking approach facilitates real-time observation of changes in glacier dynamics. By utilizing icebergs as mobile research platforms, scientists gain unprecedented insights into the intricate interactions between ocean currents and glacial formations. 

Published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans, this revolutionary technique holds immense potential for enhancing our understanding of climate change and devising effective mitigation strategies.

Between 2014 and 2019, a team led by Kristin Schild and David Sutherland from the University of Oregon tracked 13 icebergs as they traveled through Greenland's Ilulissat Icefjord.

They collected a lot of data, which Sydney Baratta, a student, used for her senior project and continued to study in grad school.

Researchers noticed that the movement of freshwater from other fjords affects how water moves in the main fjord. This is important for predicting things like ocean currents and how fast sea levels might rise.

The Ilulissat Icefjord is tough to study, but it's one of the best places to understand how glaciers and oceans interact. Icebergs there move around a lot because of winds and currents. By tracking them with GPS, the scientists could figure out how everything fits together.

Extending Beyond the Arctic Context

Carlos Moffat, a researcher from the University of Delaware, commended this innovative strategy. Normally, equipment deployed in fjords faces the risk of damage from drifting ice. However, the concept of using icebergs as protective barriers represents a significant advancement. 

Baratta illustrated the concept by likening icebergs to floating ice cubes in a glass of water. However, in a fjord, they are subject to various external factors such as wind and currents, causing them to drift. 

The aim was to attach GPS trackers to the icebergs to analyze the circulation patterns of the fjord and understand their interaction with the surrounding environment.

This research extends beyond the Arctic context. Greenland and Antarctica hold immense ice reserves capable of exerting a global influence on sea levels. Understanding the processes driving ice sheet melting is crucial for predicting future climate changes.

Also Read: AI Tracks Melting Icebergs 10,000 Times Faster Than Humans

Lauren Ross, a researcher at UMaine, emphasized the broad applicability of this study, particularly in comprehending fluid dynamics. In the context of climate change, the need for precise data is increasingly paramount. 

UMaine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy underscored the significance of this research, noting the profound influence glaciers have wielded over the Earth's history and the insight this study offers into future scenarios.

The funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation and NASA's Early Career Investigator Program was instrumental in facilitating this groundbreaking research. 

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