Greenland glaciers and the 'greenhouse effect', status 1991

Abstract

Possible global climate change caused by increased 'greenhouse effect' continues to be a matter of international public concern. In particular, a warmer climate is expected to cause increased melting of the Greenland ice sheet, and a rise in world sea level. The Greenland ice sheet is therefore a potential hazard for low-Iying countries. Climate warming may be apparent first, and with greatest magnitude, at high latitudes so that increased melting of the Greenland ice sheet could give early warning of global climate change. For these reasons, GGU and foreign organisations are studying Greenland glaciers in connection with the 'greenhouse effect' (Fig. 1). The present review updates the note by Braithwaite (1990).