The Global Cryosphere
Past, Present, and Future

A comprehensive account of all components of the Earth's cryosphere, including their past characteristics, and future states.

Roger G. Barry (Author), Thian Yew Gan (Author)

9781108720588, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 5 May 2022

586 pages
24.5 x 18.9 x 2.8 cm, 1.37 kg

Recent studies indicate that - due to climate change - the Earth is undergoing rapid changes in all cryospheric components, including polar sea ice shrinkage, mountain glacier recession, thawing permafrost, and diminishing snow cover. This book provides a comprehensive summary of all components of the Earth's cryosphere, reviewing their history, physical and chemical characteristics, geographical distributions, and projected future states. This new edition has been completely updated throughout, and provides state-of-the-art data from GlobSnow-2 CRYOSAT, ICESAT, and GRACE. It includes a comprehensive summary of cryospheric changes in land ice, permafrost, freshwater ice, sea ice, and ice sheets. It discusses the models developed to understand cryosphere processes and predict future changes, including those based on remote sensing, field campaigns, and long-term ground observations. Boasting an extensive bibliography, over 120 figures, and end-of-chapter review questions, it is an ideal resource for students and researchers of the cryosphere.

Preface
Acknowledgements
1. Introduction
Part I. The Terrestrial Cryosphere: 2A. Snowfall and Snow Cover
2B. Avalanches
3. Glaciers and Ice Caps
4. Ice Sheets
5. Frozen Ground and Permafrost
6. Freshwater Ice: Lakes, Rivers and Icings
Part II. The Marine Cryosphere: 7. Sea Ice
8. Ice Shelves and Icebergs
Part III. The Cryosphere Past and Future: 9. The Cryosphere in the Past
10. The Future Cryosphere – Impacts of Global Warming
Part IV. Applications: 11. Applications of Snow and Ice Research
Glossary
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Climate change [RNPG], Geographical information systems [GIS & remote sensing RGW], Physical geography & topography [RGB], Oceanography [seas RBKC], Hydrology & the hydrosphere [RBK], Geological surface processes [geomorphology RBGD]