NASA’s Operation IceBridge has brought forward data and images that have led scientists get to the conclusion that a subglacial lake occurs beneath the northeastern Greenland’s Flade Ice Cap. Scientists now have evidence that proves that the subglacial lake was earlier drained and has now been filled again. Although this particular lake is just one of the several such lakes in the region, it could lead to an important understanding. Researchers claim that the lake’s discovery could help them understand the reaction of Greenland’s Ice Sheet to the global warming phenomenon.
Although subglacial lakes are found commonly in Antarctica, only a few have been located in Greenland. Surprisingly, mathematical calculations hint at the existence of thousands of such features in the region. But somehow it has been difficult to locate their presence. Commonly, their presence is indicated with the help of tools such as ice-penetrating radar. Sometimes, the elevation of surface ice also points to the presence of subglacial lakes.
According to a study issued in the journal Nature, on January 21, researchers have discovered a large basin using satellite images. The study was sponsored by the National Science Foundation and involves a research team headed by Michael Wills and a Cornell University’s glaciologist. They explained that they have a found a basin that was formed in summer 2011 within a 21-day period. Although its size and formation are like that of a usual drained subglacial lake, scientists are puzzled as to where the water came from to fill up the lake.
The team of experts calculated the temperature under the ice using the weather data and measured ice thickness. They found that the temperature was low enough for the water to be in a frozen state. But the presence of water contradicts the calculations. This has raised concerns and doubts among scientists.