Thin, Low Arctic Clouds Caused Massive Greenland Ice Sheet Melt in 2012

In 2012, Greenland experienced a record-shattering level of ice melt. Yet it may not have all been down to increased emissions. Instead, a new study has found that low lying clouds may have created the perfect conditions for warmer weather and, in consequence, more melting ice.

Clouds can either cool or heat the surface of the Earth. They can reflect solar energy back into space, effectively creating a shield and keeping the planet cool, or they can radiate heat back down to the surface and create a blanket-like effect.

The findings, detailed in the journal Nature, examined how the persistence of low-lying clouds in Greenland may have affected ice melt. The researchers modeled the near-surface conditions based on observations from a suite of sophisticated atmospheric sensors.

In the end, the researchers found that not only were the clouds reflecting heat back down to the ground, but they were thin enough to allow some solar radiation to pass through, exacerbating the issue. Any thicker and the clouds would have reflected away solar radiation, while thinner ones wouldn't have been able to trap as much heat.

"Clouds play a big role in the surface mass and energy budgets over the Greenland Ice Sheet," said David Turner, research meteorologist and lead investor, in an interview with the NOAA. "Melting of the world's major ice sheets can significantly impact human and environmental conditions via its contribution to sea-level rise."

If the sheet of ice covering Greenland were to completely melt, global sea levels could rise by as much as 24 feet, according to Livescience.com. The rise would be devastating for coastal and island communities. The new findings could help researchers better understand when such an event would occur--if at all.

In fact, the new research could help explain some of the difficulties that current global climate models have in simulating the rate of melting on the Arctic surface. It also highlights the importance of continued research over the Greenland Ice Sheet. After all, knowing what to expect of our climate is just the first step in preparing for its effects.