Glacier melt rate has doubled in five years

GREENLAND glaciers are pouring water into the sea at a rate that has almost doubled in the last five years, scientists said yesterday.

The glaciers appear to be sliding faster towards the Atlantic Ocean as melting ice lubricates the rock beneath them.

Currently, the sea level around the world is rising 0.12in (3mm) per year. Taking the higher glacier speeds into account, scientists calculate Greenland is responsible for about 0.02in (0.5mm) of this increase.