Topic: Earth Science

Scientists from the University of Bergen discovered giant swirling structures hidden deep inside Greenland's ice sheet. They used mathematical models to explain how these formations are created by thermal convection, a process that involves slow movement within the ice caused by temperature differences.

Far beneath the surface of the Greenland ice sheet, scientists have identified enormous swirling structures that resemble rising plumes. These strange formations have puzzled researchers for more than a decade. Now, scientists from the University of Bergen believe they have finally uncovered an explanation by using mathematical models similar to those used to study how Earth's continents slowly drift apart.

A new study proposes that the mysterious plumes are created by thermal convection. This process involves slow, circulating movement within the ice caused by temperature differences between deeper and shallower layers. Thermal convection is typically associated with extremely hot material moving inside Earth's mantle, not with ice.

The discovery of thermal convection in Greenland's ice sheet may seem counterintuitive at first. However, the physics behind it make sense once the properties of ice are considered. 'Finding that thermal convection can happen within an ice sheet goes slightly against our intuition and expectations,' says glaciologist Robert Law. 'Ice is at least a million times softer than the Earth's mantle, though, so the physics just work out.'

The research has been accepted for publication in the journal The Cryosphere, where editors selected it as a 'highlight paper' because of its scientific importance. According to Andreas Born, professor at the Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research and the Department of Earth Science at UiB, the findings could help scientists refine predictions about the future behavior of the Greenland ice sheet.

The study suggests that ice deep within northern Greenland may be roughly ten times softer than scientists previously believed. Even so, this does not automatically mean the ice sheet will melt faster. 'Improving our understanding of ice physics is a really major way to be more certain about the future,' says Law, 'but on its own, softer ice does not necessarily mean that the ice will melt faster or that sea level rise will be higher.'

Why It Matters

This discovery can help scientists better understand and predict the behavior of the Greenland ice sheet, which is crucial for understanding climate change and its impact on global sea levels.

Key Facts

• Scientists from the University of Bergen discovered giant swirling structures hidden deep inside Greenland's ice sheet.
• The mysterious plumes are created by thermal convection, a process that involves slow movement within the ice caused by temperature differences.
• The study suggests that ice deep within northern Greenland may be roughly ten times softer than scientists previously believed.
• Thermal convection is typically associated with extremely hot material moving inside Earth's mantle, not with ice.
• The research has been accepted for publication in the journal The Cryosphere, where editors selected it as a 'highlight paper' because of its scientific importance.

Key Terms

Thermal Convection

A process that involves slow movement within the ice caused by temperature differences between deeper and shallower layers.

Implications

This discovery can help scientists better understand and predict the behavior of the Greenland ice sheet, which is crucial for understanding climate change and its impact on global sea levels.