The maelstrom under Greenland's glaciers could slow future sea level rise

Scientists are exploring the Kangerlussuup glacier in Greenland using a remotely operated submarine, Nereid Under Ice (NUI), to investigate how sediment banks may slow glacier disintegration and future sea level rise. The expedition, led by Prof. Ginny Catania from the University of Texas, aims to gather data on the interactions between glaciers, sediment, and ocean currents, which are not accounted for in current climate models. The underwater environment is challenging, with poor visibility and strong currents, but the team has already discovered a vast underwater cavern and collected sediment samples. The findings could reveal how sediment accumulation acts as a "speed bump," potentially delaying the rapid melting of glaciers and the associated rise in sea levels, which threatens coastal cities worldwide. The research is crucial as it may reshape predictions about the future of Greenland's ice sheet and its impact on global sea levels, especially given the historical context of ice sheet collapse under similar temperature conditions. The expedition represents a significant advancement in understanding glacier dynamics and their implications for climate change.

- The Kangerlussuup glacier is being studied to understand how sediment banks may slow glacier melting.

- The NUI submarine is collecting unprecedented data in a challenging underwater environment.

- Findings could alter predictions about sea level rise and the stability of Greenland's ice sheet.

- The research highlights the importance of sediment dynamics in glacier behavior under climate change.

- Understanding these processes is vital for coastal cities facing flooding risks due to rising sea levels.