grounding line

The grounding line is the point where an ice sheet or glacier mediated by an ice shelf starts to float, transitioning from resting on land to floating on the ocean. It marks the boundary between grounded ice and ice floating on seawater. This line is crucial because changes in its position can affect ice sheet stability and sea level rise. If the grounding line retreats inland, it can lead to increased ice discharge into the ocean, contributing to global sea level rise. Understanding its location helps scientists monitor ice sheet health and predict future sea level changes.