Darker Ice Spurs Faster Melting: Greenland Loses 105 Billion Tonnes in 2024-25
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Climate change & international agreements· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
A study in *Nature* highlights that Greenland lost 105 billion tonnes of ice in the 2024–25 season due to a feedback loop where darker ice accelerates melting.
Background
Greenland's ice sheet lost approximately 105 billion tonnes of ice during the 2024–25 season. The melting is exacerbated by 'darker ice' caused by dust, soot, and wildfire smoke residues which increase solar energy absorption.
Facts for Prelims
- FactGreenland ice loss: 105 billion tonnes in the 2024–25 season
- S&TAlbedo effect: Darker ice (soot/dust) absorbs more solar radiation than fresh snow, accelerating melt
- EnvironmentFeedback mechanism: Increased melting leads to more exposed dark surfaces, further increasing heat absorption
For Mains
Q. Discuss how the feedback loop of ice-sheet melting in the Arctic poses a significant threat to global ocean circulation and sea-level rise.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Albedo feedback loop: Reduced reflectivity of ice surfaces leads to exponential increases in localized melting rates
- Anthropogenic forcing: Wildfire smoke and industrial soot act as catalysts for accelerated cryospheric degradation
Keywords: Albedo effect · Cryospheric degradation · Feedback mechanism · Ocean circulation · Anthropogenic forcing
More Environment & Ecology notes
- Underwater speakers double young fish in damaged Great Barrier Reef areas · 22 July 2026
- Kerala High Court Slams PCB: Rejects August 2027 Deadline for Kuzhikandam Creek Cleanup · 22 July 2026
- Leachate from Mittaganahalli landfill contaminates Srinivasapura Lake, kills animals · 22 July 2026
- Seabed Curtain Project: 80km Underwater Barrier to Save Thwaites Glacier from Melting · 22 July 2026
- Sea-level extremes quadrupled since 1900, new study in Nature reveals · 22 July 2026
- Campus biodiversity hunt begins, aiming to register nature’s treasures by June 2027 · 22 July 2026
Something wrong, or something missing?
Spotted a mistake in a note, or want a topic, format or PDF that would help your preparation? Write to us. We read every mail and fix errors fast.
Report a mistake →Ask for something →thesatyadheesh@gmail.com
This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.