Melting and Glacier Calving in Greenland

A new chunk of Petermann Glacier broke off in July 2012, two years after another large ice island was launched. In the same week, the surface of the Greenland ice sheet experienced unusually widespread melting and some flooding along rivers.
Retreat at Petermann Glacier
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Retreat at Petermann Glacier

Decades of retreat are visible from above, but harder-to-see changes below the waterline could also affect this iconic glacier’s future.

Published May 19, 2023

Image of the Day Unique Imagery Snow and Ice

Petermann Ice Island in Nares Strait
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Petermann Ice Island in Nares Strait

Acquired September 13, 2012, this natural-color image shows the fragmented ice island, PII-2012, in Nares Strait.

Published Sep 17, 2012

Water Snow and Ice Sea and Lake Ice

Ice Island Drifts away from Petermann Glacier
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Ice Island Drifts away from Petermann Glacier

Acquired July 30, 2012, this natural-color image shows a recently calved iceberg drifting away from Greenland’s Petermann Glacier.

Published Aug 2, 2012

Water Snow and Ice Sea and Lake Ice

Flooding in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
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Flooding in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland

Acquired May 31, 2012, and July 12, 2012, these images compare conditions along the Watson River at Kangerlussuaq, which was struck by floods in July 2012.

Published Jul 27, 2012

Image of the Day Unique Imagery Snow and Ice

Satellites Observe Widespread Melting Event on Greenland
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Satellites Observe Widespread Melting Event on Greenland

In July 2012, satellites observed melting on nearly 97 percent of the ice sheet surface.

Published Jul 25, 2012

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Closeup of the Ice Island from Petermann Glacier
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Closeup of the Ice Island from Petermann Glacier

Acquired July 21, 2012, this image shows the iceberg that recently calved off Greenland’s Petermann Glacier as it continues to drift down the fjord.

Published Jul 23, 2012

Snow and Ice Sea and Lake Ice

More Ice Breaks off of Petermann Glacier
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More Ice Breaks off of Petermann Glacier

Acquired with 23 hours on July 16-17, 2012, these three images track the calving of a new iceberg off Greenland’s Petermann Glacier.

Published Jul 18, 2012

Image of the Day Snow and Ice Sea and Lake Ice