NASA Mission Maps 16 Years of Ice Loss

Scientists have measured changes in ice sheet elevations in Greenland and Antarctica over 16 years. The East Antarctic ice sheet is growing, but this is offset by rapid thinning of the West Antarctic ice sheet due to warmer ocean temperatures. Greenland shows increased mass in the center but overall thinning around the edges, contributing to sea level rise. Combined, these changes have raised sea levels by 14 millimeters over 16 years. Projections suggest a rise of 2-4 feet by the century's end, posing risks to coastal infrastructure. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for future climate projections.

What is the main reason for the rapid thinning of the West Antarctic ice sheet?

• Warmer ocean temperatures

• Volcanic activity

• Increased snowfall

• Human activities

How does the thinning of ice shelves in West Antarctica affect the inland ice?

• It causes the inland ice to melt faster

• It increases the buttressing force on the inland ice

• It leads to a drawdown of the inland ice

• It has no effect on the inland ice

What is the overall trend observed in Greenland's ice sheet?

• Complete melting

• Stable ice mass

• Overall thinning

• Significant growth in mass

By how much has the sea level risen due to ice sheet melt over the 16-year period?

• 21 millimeters

• 7 millimeters

• 14 millimeters

• 28 millimeters

What is the projected sea level rise by the end of the century?

• 1-2 feet

• 5-6 feet

• 2-3 feet

• 2-3, maybe 4 feet