Ice-Sheet and Sea-Level Changes

• DOI: 10.1126/science.1114613
• Publication Date: 2005-10-26T07:14:17Z
• Authors: Richard B. Alley; Peter U. Clark; Philippe Huybrechts; Ian Joughin
• Keywords: Greenland ice sheet; Future sea level; Ice-sheet model; Ice-albedo feedback; Antarctic ice sheet

Future sea-level rise is an important issue related to the continuing buildup of atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations. The Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets, with potential raise sea level approximately 70 meters if completely melted, dominate uncertainties in projected change. Freshwater fluxes from these sheets also may affect oceanic circulation, contributing climate Observational modeling advances have reduced many ice-sheet behavior, but recently detected, rapid ice-marginal changes indicate greater sensitivity warming than previously considered.