We often wonder why sometimes the earth’s temperatures are exceedingly high. Nevertheless, scholars reveal that climate change might be the trigger behind the changes. Recent research showed that the earth’s ice is melting at a rate higher than usual. And they think it’s because of the rising global temperatures. Global warming, one of the significant impacts of climate change, is the substantial contribution to changes in global temperatures. And it is steered by an accumulation of greenhouse gases in the earth’s atmosphere.
How Does High Temperatures Impact Glacier?
The glacier is dense ice pieces that accumulate in areas with extremely low temperatures. It can be mountain tops, seas, ice sheets, etc. Global warming has, however, impacted the formation and existence of glaciers. Compared to the 1990s, nowadays the rate at which glacier melts is alarming. It is thirty years down the line, and it’s melting at a rate of 57%.
“It was a surprise to see such a large increase in just thirty years,” said co-author Thomas Slater, a glaciologist at Leeds University in Britain.
The situation has begun to draw much attention, mostly as glaciers play a significant role in the ecosystem. Provision of drinking water, protecting the coastal homes from storms, maintaining estuarine water balance, and refilling the water bodies are some of its importance. Meanwhile, as the glacier continues to melt in high amounts, it continues to pose more threat. More so, the people living in the polar regions are more endangered.
During summers, areas within the arctic have a record decline in sea ice levels, owing to the increasing global temperatures. As sea ice plunges, it exposes dark water, absorbing solar radiation rather than reflecting it to the atmosphere. This phenomenon, known as Arctic amplification, boosts the regional temperatures even further.
The industrial revolution has contributed to a better part of global warming. Industries emit harmful Chlorofluorocarbons into the atmosphere. And it is these CFCs that contribute to the rising temperatures. Reports reveal that global temperatures have risen by about 1.1 degrees celsius, which may worsen in the future.
A team of British scientists used studies from satellites set since 1994 and 2017. According to the team, during the 2990s, the world lost about 0.8 metric tonnes of ice annually. However, to date, it loses about 1.2 trillion metric tonnes per year.
Possible impacts of Melting Glacier
When the glacier melts in a considerable amount, it does not pose harm to the ecosystem. However, when it melts in high amounts, it’s accompanied with tremendous impact. It might cause flooding of rivers. I.e., when the excessive glacier melts downstream, it may result in stream bursts. The excess water will, in turn, submerge the surrounding ecosystem, causing harm to aquatic organisms, pollute other water bodies, destroy buildings, etc. Some animals like the polar bears survive best in glacial prone environments. Therefore, the melting of glaciers would destroy their habitat, which may then result in their extinction.
Therefore, we should take the initiative to practice ways that can best help to preserve our environments. Adopting practices like afforestation could help regulate global temperatures and reduce glacial melting.
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