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Greenland Melting (360°) | FRONTLINE
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Greenland Melting (360°) | FRONTLINE

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This section introduces the topic of Greenland's melting ice sheet and the impact on sea levels.

The Melting Ice Sheet

  • Greenland's ice sheet is melting faster, potentially raising sea levels by 20 feet globally.
  • NASA scientists, led by Josh Willis, study the rapid melting of glaciers in Greenland.
  • Glacial flow in West Greenland is accelerating, with glaciers losing ice at an alarming rate.
  • Glaciers like Averna lick are retreating rapidly due to increased melting rates.

Climate Change Impact

  • Glacier retreat is linked to climate warming, affecting not only air temperature but also ocean conditions.
  • Scientists investigate ocean temperatures as a key factor in glacier melting rates.

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Exploring the methods used by NASA to study glacier melt and its implications.

Research Methods

  • NASA uses sonar to scan seafloor depth near glaciers to understand underwater ice exposure.
  • Warm water accelerates glacier melting; NASA measures underwater ice quantities for accurate predictions.

Data Collection

  • The Gulfstream 3 aircraft aids in radar measurements of shrinking glaciers from above.
  • Probes dropped into the ocean provide data on temperature and salinity for comprehensive analysis.

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Observing specific glaciers in Greenland and their significant changes over time.

Glacier Analysis

  • Kangilerngata Sermia glacier has lost substantial mass over 15 years due to accelerated melting rates.
  • Deeper fjords expose more glacier mass to warm Atlantic currents, contributing to rapid ice loss.

Global Impact

Catastrophic Flooding and Antarctica's Ice

The discussion revolves around the potential catastrophic flooding due to forces at work in Antarctica, where there is a significant amount of ice.

Catastrophic Flooding Forces

  • Significant forces similar to catastrophic flooding could be occurring in Antarctica.
  • Antarctica holds ten times more ice compared to other regions.
  • The immense ice presence in Antarctica poses potential risks related to catastrophic flooding.

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Video description

Greenland’s glaciers are melting faster and faster. If they all melted, it's estimated that the sea level around the world would rise by 20 feet. Subscribe on YouTube: http://bit.ly/1BycsJW In this 360° video, get a stunning firsthand look at the Arctic’s disappearing ice, and follow a team of NASA scientists determined to find out why. Presented by FRONTLINE, NOVA PBS, Emblematic Group, xRez Studio and Realtra VR. View more of our 360° documentaries, here: https://bit.ly/2utuUG0 Twitter: https://twitter.com/frontlinepbs Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/frontline Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frontlinepbs FRONTLINE is streaming more than 200 documentaries online, for free, here: http://to.pbs.org/hxRvQP Funding for FRONTLINE is provided through the support of PBS viewers and by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Major funding for FRONTLINE is provided by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and the Ford Foundation. Additional funding is provided by the Abrams Foundation, the Park Foundation, The John and Helen Glessner Family Trust, and the FRONTLINE Journalism Fund with major support from Jon and Jo Ann Hagler on behalf of the Jon L. Hagler Foundation.