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Ocean On the Rocks

Icebergs catch the morning light outside Sermilik Fjord near the town of Tasiilaq in eastern Greenland. Massive icebergs like these break off from outlet glaciers that connect directly to the ice sheet that covers most of Greenland. WHOI physical oceanographer Fiamma Straneo and colleagues are studying how relatively warm water flowing into Greenland’s fjords affects the melting of the outlet glaciers. Their work requires helicopters, ice augers, durable moorings, and fortitude.(Photo by Dave Sutherland, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)