Methane From Permafrost: What the Evidence Shows
Methane from permafrost refers to the release of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, as perennially frozen ground thaws due to rising temperatures. Microbes decompose…
Topic archive
Cryosphere
Frozen components of Earth, including ice sheets, glaciers, and permafrost.
West Antarctic Ice Sheet Instability Explained
West Antarctic Ice Sheet instability refers to the potential for rapid, irreversible ice loss from the marine-based West Antarctic Ice Sheet due to its…
Glacier Mass Balance Explained: How It Works, Why It Matters, and Key Facts
Glacier mass balance is the net gain or loss of ice on a glacier over a specific period, typically a year. It is the…
Why Arctic Sea Ice Loss Does Not Directly Raise Sea Level
Arctic sea ice loss does not directly raise sea level because floating ice already displaces its own weight in water, following Archimedes' principle. The…
Seasonal Sea Ice vs Land Ice: Key Differences and Why They Matter
Seasonal sea ice is frozen ocean water that forms and melts each year, while land ice consists of glaciers, ice sheets, and ice caps…