Climate-Driven Fracturing of the Greenland Ice Sheet Revealed Through Stark Imagery
Greenland Ice Sheet Cracking at Alarming Rate, Raising Sea Level Fears
The Greenland Ice Sheet, holding enough water to raise global sea levels by 7 meters (23 feet), is fracturing faster than ever, according to a study by Durham University. Researchers found a 4.3% surge in crevasses—deep, wedge-shaped cracks in glaciers—between 2016 and 2021, with some regions seeing a 25% spike. These cracks accelerate ice loss, as meltwater seeps deeper and splits glaciers into icebergs, a process threatening to trigger irreversible collapse.
Store Glacier in West Greenland, where crevasses are rapidly forming. The ice sheet covers 80% of Greenland and spans 1.7 million sq km.
Why Crevasses Matter
Crevasses form when glaciers flow faster toward the ocean, a sign of accelerated melting. They act as pathways for meltwater, which warms the ice base and lubricates the ground, speeding up glacier movement. This feedback loop could destabilize the entire ice sheet. Since 1992, Greenland’s melt has already contributed 14 mm to sea level rise—a number that could reach 30 cm by 2100.
Lead author Dr. Tom Chudley explains: “Warmer oceans and air are driving glacier acceleration. More crevasses mean more meltwater infiltration, fracturing ice further.” Using 8,000 satellite images, his team mapped cracks, revealing alarming growth near glacier edges.
Deep crevasses on Store Glacier, evidence of accelerating ice flow.
Unexpected Slowdown, Then Resurgence
The study noted a brief slowdown at Sermeq Kujalleq, Greenland’s fastest glacier, due to cooler ocean currents. However, this pause was temporary. “Slowdowns mask the bigger trend—existing cracks are expanding both in number and depth,” says Chudley.
Climate Change’s Role
Human-driven warming is the clear culprit. Rising air and ocean temperatures intensify melting, destabilizing glaciers. Chudley warns of a “domino effect”: crevasses weaken ice, hastening iceberg calving and further disintegration.
Satellite data shows crevasse expansion from 2016–2021. Red areas indicate significant increases.
Runaway Consequences
Professor Ian Howat, co-author, compares the process to a “runaway train.” Crevasses allow warm water to erode glaciers from below, while surface fractures break ice into icebergs. Together, these forces could push Greenland past a tipping point, triggering unstoppable collapse.
Future Projections
If trends continue, Greenland’s melt could contribute meters to sea level rise over centuries. By 2300, even if Paris Agreement goals are met, oceans may still rise 1.2 meters (4 feet), inundating coastal cities and islands.
Crevasses weaken glaciers, increasing iceberg calving and sea level rise risks.
The Bottom Line
The study underscores the urgency of curbing emissions. “Every delay costs centimeters of sea level rise,” says Chudley. Without action, Greenland’s ice loss could reshape coastlines and displace millions worldwide.
For more on climate science, visit Daily Mail Science.
Image Credits: All images sourced from Daily Mail, depicting Store Glacier and satellite data from the Durham University study.
