MODIS Studies of Greenland

The Zachariæ and the “79N” glacier to its north, are two massive outlets draining the gradually-sloping northeast Greenland ice sheet. An annotated image (below) illustrates a 23 sq. km (9 sq. mi.) retreat of Zachariæ Isstrøm from the end of summer 2007 to end of summer 2008.

The trend in ice loss is visible since MODIS observations began in 2000, see below…

Thinning has been observed near the grounding line since 1999 [1].

Lakes form here in northeast Greenland and may play an important role in future disintegration of this glacier, provided that warming continues, as predicted. View an animation of 2008 melt lake formation in northeast Greenland.

MODIS image showing the 79 N glacier outlet and supra-glacial melt lakes in the north east region of Greenland.

Figures:

• Zachariæ front change 2007-2008: small (710×540), large (1420×1080)
• Zachariae front change 2002-2008: small (710×540), large (1420×1080)

Animations:

• Zachariæ end of summer front position 2002-2008: small (853×480), large (1280×720)
• Melt Lakes NE Greenland 2008: small (853×480), large (1280×720)

Works Cited

1. Eric Rignot, Sivaprasad Gogineni, Ian Joughin, Wiliam Krabil, Contribution to the glaciology of northern Greenland from satellite radar interferometry, Journal of Geophysical Research, vol. 106, no. D24, Pages 34,007-34,019, December 27, 2001

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