COSEE Ocean Systems: News
Thin, low Arctic clouds played an important role in the massive 2012 Greenland ice melt
Description: Clouds over the central Greenland Ice Sheet last July were "just right" for driving surface temperatures there above the melting point, according to a new study. The study found that thin, low-lying clouds allowed the sun's energy to pass through and warm the surface of the ice, while at the same time trapping heat near the surface of the ice cap. This combination played a significant role in last summer's record-breaking melt. [Source: NOAA News]
URL: http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2013/20130403_greenlandicemelt.html
Availability: Full Text
Source: NOAA News
Publish Date: 4/3/2013
Reading Level: Basic
Page Length:  

<< BACK