Svalbard glaciers melting at record speeds

Glaciers on Svalbard that extend into the ocean are melting at record speeds, according to data from the Norwegian Polar Institute. Over the last two years, ten glaciers have retreated entirely onto land.

Glaciologist Geir Moholdt reports that maritime glaciers are retreating significantly faster than those located on land. While land-based glaciers may retreat by a few meters per year, maritime glaciers can retreat by tens of meters per day. Some large glaciers have retreated between 600 and 900 meters in just the last two years.

The rapid melting is likely driven by warmer ocean currents and rising sea temperatures. In July, sea surface temperatures around Svalbard were three degrees Celsius above normal. This shift is expected to impact local ecosystems by reducing circulation in fjords, which may negatively affect various marine species.