The Cryosphere
Snow
Snow is precipitation that is made out of ice crystals formed when temperatures below 0 degrees Celsius and high humidity are put together. It can be found all over the world, just as long as the temperature of the environment during precipitation remains below the freezing point. It falls in several forms, being:
- snowflakes - clusters of ice crystals that fall to the ground
- sleet - drops of rain that freeze as they fall
- graupel - snowflakes that fall through clouds and gather more water droplets, become rounded due to this
Sea Ice
Sea ice is a term used to define frozen ocean water. In contrast, most other forms of ice form on land. Sea ice forms, grows, and melts strictly in salty ocean water. Sea ice helps reflects sunlight and keeps polar regions cool.
Glaciers
Glaciers are basically huge masses of ice. They are formed by fallen snow that has compressed into thick ice. Specifically, when snow is given enough time to transform into ice, that is when glaciers are formed. They have the unique ability to move due to their sheer size, which allows them to slowly flow like rivers. These giant masses of ice cover 10% of Earth's surface.
Ice Shelves
Ice shelves are platforms of ice that form where glaciers move out towards the ocean. They leave land and push into the water, which can raise the sea level. Icebergs form from ice shelves, falling off ice shelves into the ocean.
Frozen Ground
Frozen ground is where part or all of the water in rocks or soil has been frozen. It exists mostly at the poles, but can also be found at high elevations. Ground that has been frozen for over two years is referred to as permafrost. Permafrost stores greenhouses gases such as carbon and methane.
Role of the Atmosphere in Earth's Climate System
The cryosphere reflects sunlight back into the atmosphere, assisting the greenhouse effect. The cryosphere also shapes Earth's surface by the movement of glaciers, eroding landscapes, and displacing their sediments. It also stores greenhouse gases which helps limit the greenhouse effect.