How is the ice in Greenland melting?

Teacher’s key

Check your understanding

1 What’s the difference between a glacier and an iceberg?

A glacier is the part of an ice sheet that flows towards the sea. As glaciers melt and become thinner, part
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of the ice breaks off. This is an iceberg – it’s no longer part of the ice sheet and floats away to sea.

2 Describe the two ways that Greenland glaciers are melting.

1) They are melting from above because of warmer air temperatures.

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2) They are melting from below because of warmer ocean temperatures.

3 Why did the Greenland ice sheet keep melting from 2008 to 2017 even though ocean warming paused?

The ice sheet had already become unstable after a period of warming between 1998 and 2007. The glaciers
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were thinner and the ice sheet never went back to its stable state.

4 We suggested some small things anyone can do to help slow climate change. Can you think of other ways
you can help to prevent the oceans from warming and the ice from melting?

Anything that reduces greenhouse gas emissions helps to prevent climate change and, therefore, the
Greenland ice sheet’s melting. Things like using public transport, switching to more efficient lights to reduce
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electricity, eating a vegetarian or vegan diet, or even just cutting down on meat and eating food from local
and sustainable sources will help.

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