With reference to polar ice loss and sea-level rise, consider the following statements: 1. Glacier acceleration accounted for 84% of the ice loss in polar regions. 2. The ice loss in Greenland and Antarctica contributed to a 314 mm rise in global sea levels. 3. The study analyzed 42 satellite surveys over a period of two decades. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Researchers at Northumbria University, supported by NASA, found that Greenland and Antarctica

GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Climate change & international agreements· Prelims + Mains· 17 September 2026

Cryosphere dynamics and sea-level rise: a critical GS3 Environment and Ecology topic.

Why in news

Researchers at Northumbria University, supported by NASA, found that Greenland and Antarctica lost 11.3 billion tonnes of ice since the late 1970s, contributing to a 31.4 mm rise in global sea levels.

Background

The study analyzed 42 satellite surveys over five decades, revealing that glacier acceleration accounted for 84% of ice loss. Annual ice loss in Greenland increased from 60 to 264 billion tonnes, while Antarctica's loss rose from 48 to 202 billion tonnes between 1979 and 2023.

Facts for Prelims

FactTotal ice loss in Greenland and Antarctica since the late 1970s: 11.3 billion tonnes
FactRise in global sea levels attributed to this ice loss: 31.4 millimeters
FactPercentage of ice loss attributed to glacier acceleration: 84%
FactNumber of satellite surveys integrated into the study: 42

Prelims practice question

With reference to polar ice loss and sea-level rise, consider the following statements:

Glacier acceleration accounted for 84% of the ice loss in polar regions.
The ice loss in Greenland and Antarctica contributed to a 314 mm rise in global sea levels.
The study analyzed 42 satellite surveys over a period of two decades.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a)1 only
(b)2 only
(c)1 and 3 only
(d)1, 2 and 3

Show answer

Answer: (a) 1 only — Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect: The ice loss contributed to a 31.4 mm rise in global sea levels. Statement 3 is incorrect: The study analyzed 42 satellite surveys over five decades.

For Mains

Q. Discuss the implications of accelerated glacial melting in polar regions on global sea levels and the coastal infrastructure of low-lying nations.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

Cryospheric feedback: Accelerated glacier movement vs. surface melting as primary drivers of sea-level rise
Geopolitical vulnerability: Impact of 31.4 mm sea-level rise on coastal urban planning and maritime trade routes

Keywords: Cryosphere · Glacial Acceleration · Sea-level Rise · Satellite Remote Sensing · Climate Feedback

Read the full news →Report a mistake in this note Source: Times of India ↗Also: GS1 · Physical geography (landforms, oceans, climate)Also: GS3 · Space technology (ISRO, missions)

More Environment & Ecology notes

Keralam to argue for restricting ESA to 98 villages and 8,590.69 sq km · 21 September 2026
Kerala's Agriculture Minister T · 21 September 2026
NHAI, Forest Department efforts provide Pichavaram another 25 h.a. of mangroves · 21 September 2026
1,000 Acres Of Delhi's Southern Ridge Set To Get Reserved Forest Status · 20 September 2026
Ecologists urge scientists and policymakers to study imminent ‘Super’ El Niño to prepare for the future · 19 September 2026
CAQM Steps Up Inspections, Seals Non-compliant Generators in Nuh · 17 September 2026

All Environment & Ecology current affairs →

Something wrong, or something missing?

Spotted a mistake in a note, or want a topic, format or PDF that would help your preparation? Write to us. We read every mail and fix errors fast.

Report a mistake →Ask for something →[email protected]

This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.