Latvian researchers have been studying climate change in polar regions since 2014, yet much about these phenomena remains unknown. As mentioned by Jānis Karuess, an associate professor at the University of Latvia’s Department of Geology, the unknown factors significantly outnumber what is currently understood. This ongoing research encompasses studies of glaciers in Iceland and Greenland, and the scientists plan to extend their investigations to Antarctica in the future, allowing them to compare past data with modern measurements to accurately determine changes in glacial mass balance over decades.

In August, a nearly month-long expedition will take place in Greenland, focusing on examining the internal structure of glaciers, including temperature and the volume of water present within them. With climate change causing air temperatures to rise by several degrees, projections indicate that Greenland's ice sheet may lose a significant amount of its ice in the long run. This rapid melting of glaciers has wider ramifications, with consequences being felt even in the Baltic Sea as rising temperatures affect local ecosystems and sea levels in surrounding areas.

The researchers emphasize that while climate change has always existed, predictions show that glaciers are indeed receding more rapidly than before. This alarming trend underscores the importance of these expeditions, as they contribute to the understanding of global climate dynamics and inform local and global strategies for addressing the implications of climate change.