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The heatwave that struck Greenland in July 2012 melted surface ice across virtually the entire ice sheet, causing extensive flooding. At high elevations thin liquid-bearing clouds had an important role in enhancing surface warming, as they were optically thick enough and low enough to significantly enhance the downwelling infrared flux at the surface. At the same time they were thin enough to allow sufficient solar radiation through to raise surface temperatures above the melting point. [Source: Nature]
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