Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2926
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2926
21 Oct 2024
 | 21 Oct 2024
Status: this preprint is open for discussion.

Factors influencing lake surface water temperature variability in West Greenland and the role of the ice sheet

Laura Carrea, Christopher J. Merchant, Richard I. Woolway, and Niall McCarroll

Abstract. Subarctic West Greenland is populated by thousands of seasonally ice-free lakes. Using remotely sensed observations, we analyse the surface water temperatures of six lakes during 1995–2022 to identify factors influencing their variability. The connectivity to the Greenland Ice Sheet (GrIS) has a clear influence on lake surface temperature, with ice-sheet marginal lakes experiencing smaller average summer maximum temperature (< 6 °C) and minimal inter-annual variability. A lake fed by a GrIS-originating river has the fastest seasonal response and largest seasonal amplitude with average maximum temperatures above 13 °C. The seasonal cycle of surface water temperature for all studied lakes is asymmetrical, with faster warming observed after ice off, and a slower cooling of water towards winter freezing. We find that during the study period, the onset of positive stratification has occurred earlier, at rates of up to 0.5 days year-1, and that July–August temperatures have increased at rates up to 0.1 °C year-1, although the GrIS-connected lakes show smaller increases. Our analysis suggests that the main meteorological factor determining interannual variability of surface water temperature in the studied lakes is air temperature. This study highlights the important role of remote sensing for long-term monitoring of Greenlandic lakes under climate change.

Publisher's note: Copernicus Publications remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims made in the text, published maps, institutional affiliations, or any other geographical representation in this preprint. The responsibility to include appropriate place names lies with the authors.
Laura Carrea, Christopher J. Merchant, Richard I. Woolway, and Niall McCarroll

Status: open (until 13 Dec 2024)

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Laura Carrea, Christopher J. Merchant, Richard I. Woolway, and Niall McCarroll
Laura Carrea, Christopher J. Merchant, Richard I. Woolway, and Niall McCarroll

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Short summary
Lakes in Greenland serve as sentinel of climate change. Satellites can be used to monitor water temperature and ice. Using 28 years measurements from satellite, we conclude that lakes are overall warmer than previously thought. The lakes connected to the ice sheet are cooler than the rest because of cold glacial meltwater inflow. Change in water temperature can impact light availability, nutrient cycling, and oxygen levels crucial for lake ecosystem but can also have influence on the ice sheet.