Glaciology

Glaciology is the scientific study of glaciers, ice sheets, and ice caps, as well as the processes that govern their formation, movement, and melting. It encompasses the examination of the physical properties of ice, the dynamics of ice flow, the influence of climate on ice masses, and the impact of glacial activity on the environment. Glaciologists investigate how glaciers interact with the atmosphere, oceans, and land, and they assess how changes in these icy systems contribute to global sea-level rise and climate change. The field combines elements of geology, meteorology, oceanography, and environmental science to understand the role of ice in the Earth’s system.