Greenland inland ice melt-off: Analysis of global gravity data from the GRACE satellites

Abstract

This paper gives an introductory analysis of gravity data from the GRACE (Gravity Recovery And Climate Experiment) twin satellites. The data consist of gravity data in the form of 10-day maximum values of 1° by 1° equivalent water height (EWH) in meters starting at 29 July 2002 and ending at 25 August 2010. Results focussing on Greenland show statistically significant mass loss interpreted as inland ice melt-off to the SE and NW with an acceleration in the melt-off occurring to the NW and a possible deceleration to the SE. Also, there are strong indications of a transition taking place in the mass loss in Greenland from mid-2004 to early 2006.