Melting of the Greenland ice sheet

The worlds second largest Ice Sheet, the Greenland ice sheet, is melting. The ice sheet covers approximately 80% of the area of Greenland. Its many kilometers of ancient snow allow scientists to map changes in the earth's climate, they do this by drilling holes through the surface of the sheet and by measuring air content with the help of Oxygen 18 which reveals to scientists the temperature of the air.

Specifically, "scientists have obtained information on temperature, ocean volume, precipitation, chemistry, and gas composition of the lower atmosphere, volcanic eruptions, solar variability, and sea-surface productivity." (Science Daily).

The amount of data to be collected in this area is more than any other location. In recent years, the Ice Sheet has experienced a significant amount of melting. This is most likely due to global warming and changes in ocean circulation. A major concern of the melting is that it could rise ocean levels very much. Overall, the ice sheet is approximately 600 meters lower than it was 3000 years ago.

Website:http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090916133508.htm
Website 2: http://www.sciencedaily.com/articles/g/greenland_ice_sheet.htm
Picture:http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121109084055.htm