Nature Communications, 27 May 2026
Sudden drainage of meltwater lakes through water-filled fractures can locally accelerate the flow of the Greenland Ice Sheet. Scientists analysed 200 lakes on Sermeq Kujalleq (Jakobshavn Glacier) during the 2022-2023 melt seasons and found that 14% drained through this rapid “hydrofracturing” process, where meltwater forces open cracks and reaches the glacier bed. Satellite observations showed that hydrofracturing increases water pressure beneath the ice, causing it to slide faster towards the ocean and triggering faster ice loss several kilometers beyond the drainage site. The findings suggest that as warming expands surface melting to higher elevations and lengthens melt seasons, hydrofracturing may increasingly deliver meltwater to the base of the ice sheet, accelerating ice loss and contributing to faster sea-level rise.
By Science Writing Intern Haily Landrigan, Global Outreach Director Amy Imdieke, and ICCI Director Pam Pearson.
Published Jun. 24, 2026 Updated Jun. 24, 2026 10:12 pm