What is the approximate change in Greenland's ice mass from 2010 to 2011?

Use the given data points:
- 2010: -1619 gigatons
- 2011: -2082 gigatons

Show whether the change is positive or negative.



Answer :

To determine the approximate change in Greenland's ice mass from 2010 to 2011, we will follow these steps:

1. Identify the ice mass for each year:
- For the year 2010, Greenland's ice mass was -1619 gigatons.
- For the year 2011, Greenland's ice mass was -2082 gigatons.

2. Calculate the change in ice mass:
- To find the change from 2010 to 2011, we subtract the ice mass in 2010 from the ice mass in 2011:

Change in ice mass = Ice mass in 2011 - Ice mass in 2010

Substituting the values:

Change in ice mass = -2082 - (-1619)

3. Simplify the calculation:
- When subtracting a negative number, it is equivalent to adding the positive value:

Change in ice mass = -2082 + 1619

- Perform the addition:

Change in ice mass = -463

4. Determine the sign of the change:
- The result, -463 gigatons, is a negative number.
- This indicates that Greenland's ice mass decreased from 2010 to 2011.

Therefore, the approximate change in Greenland's ice mass from 2010 to 2011 is a decrease of 463 gigatons.