Update on the Greenland Ice Sheet Melt Extent: 1979-1999

摘要: Analysis of melt extent on the Greenland ice sheet is updated to span time period 1979-1999 examined along with its spatial and temporal variability using passive microwave satellite data. In order acquire full record, issue continuity between previous sensors (SMMR, SSM/I F-8, F-11), most recent F-13 sensor addressed. The Cross-polarized gradient ratio (XPGR) melt-classification threshold determined be -0.0154. Results show that for 21-year an increasing trend nearly 1 %/yr observed, this driven by conditions in western portion sheet, rather than east, where appears have decreased slightly. Moreover, eruption Mt. Pinatubo 1991 likely had some impact melt, but not as much previously suspected. 1992 anomaly 1.7 standard deviations from mean. Finally, relationship coastal temperatures suggest increase surface runoff contribution sea level 0.31 mm/yr a C temperature rise.