Warming temperatures affect glaciers’ ability to store meltwater, contributing to rising sea levels

Warming temperatures affect glaciers’ ability to store meltwater, contributing to rising sea levels

In higher elevations, firn, frozen water that is something between snow and ice, covers the top of glaciers. Firn plays a critical role in regulating glacial meltwater and sea level rise. It does this by absorbing meltwater, the water released by melting glaciers. The ability of the firn layer to absorb meltwater — its “sponginess” — can be determined by the amount of pore space available, which is impacted by several variables such as temperatu…

Warming temperatures affect glaciers’ ability to store meltwater, contributing to rising sea levels - The Turtle Island News

By Danielle Halle and Wesley Van Wychen In higher elevations, firn, frozen water that is something between snow and ice, covers the top of glaciers. Firn plays a critical role in regulating glacial meltwater and sea level rise. It does this by absorbing meltwater, the water released by melting glaciers. The ability of the firn layer to absorb meltwater — its “sponginess” — can be determined by the amount of pore space available, which is impacte…