Topic 3d - Coastal ice thinning
In this video Dr Kate Briggs explains the particular characteristics of glaciers in the coastal regions of Greenland. She outlines the methodologies used in satellite observation of these regions of Greenland, particularly using CryoSat, and what this reveals about the thinning of the coastal ice in those areas.
Featured Educators:
- Dr Kate Briggs
View featured satellites on the satellite tracking app
- IceSat (no longer in orbit)
- CryoSat-2
Don’t forget you can download the video, transcript and take any quizzes available with the links on the right.
Imagery
This image shows Greenland’s ice caps and glaciers in yellow, and it compares them to the size of England, of which they equal about 2/3.
Kate Briggs
Satellite images of Greenland Ice Sheet showing the glaciers and ice caps that sit around the edge of of the Island.
Kate Briggs
Image of how CryoSat-2 and ICEsat use altimetry to measure surface and elevation change
Kate Briggs
Satellite data from CryoSat-2 and ICEsat showing elevation change of the Sukkertoppen ice cap on the western coast of Greenland. The areas shown in red experienced thinning and in blue are areas that are growing.
Kate Briggs
Satellite data from CryoSat-2 and ICEsat showing elevation change on the East coast from 2010-2014. The areas shown in red experienced thinning and in blue are areas that are growing. There is more area of thinning than growth.
Kate Briggs
The amount of ice cap loss in Greenland since 2003 is equal to about the height of a two story building, around 7m-8m.
Kate Briggs
