Presenter(s): Morgan Mooney-Mccarthy − Political Science, Spanish, International Studies
Faculty Mentor(s): Dave Sutherland
Poster 171
Research Area: Natural Science
Two of the largest ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica are experiencing expedited mass loss which is contributing to sea level rise. The estimated sea level rise per year is 0.54 mm/year and the respective ice sheets contribute 19% of the annual sea level rise. There has been a steady increase of glacial mass loss since the late 19th century, however, within the last two decades glacial mass loss has increased rapidly. The recent years of accelerated glacial mass loss has dramatically increased the rate of sea level rise. If this trend continues it will rapidly influence and impact coastlines. The research methods currently being used involve satellites and remote sensors. If the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets were to completely melt the sea level would increase up to seven meters. While 55% of the annual sea level rise can be attributed to all types of glacial melt, Greenland and the Antarctic ice sheets make up 19% of that rise, which is nearly 2⁄3 of the sea level rise from all glacial ice. The results show that these two ice sheets add a disproportionate amount of ice mass loss compared to other factors affecting sea level rise. I anticipate research to accelerate as mass loss does in order to provide strong scientific arguments to present to the public and political leaders.