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Cryospheric science is the interdisciplinary study of permafrost, snow and ice, primarily on the surface of the Earth, but also on other planets and moons. The cryosphere is an integral part of the climate system, and is investigated with techniques from geophysics, meteorology and hydrology.
The Southern Patagonian Icefield likely stores around 10% more ice than previously believed, according to ice thickness estimates based on remote sensing and direct measurement-informed mapping of the sub-glacial topography.
A combined record of direct observations, orthophotos and digital surface models spanning over 100 years suggests a deceleration of four Swiss rock glaciers due to a reduction in ice/water contribution from upstream glaciers and permafrost degradation
The precipitation intensity of Antarctic Atmospheric Rivers is governed by synoptic and planetary-scale dynamic processes, including teleconnections with amplified Rossby waves, suggests an analysis of a 40-year reanalysis record.
Carbon dioxide gas sublimated from frost at locations of high temperature difference could mobilize surface sediments in gully features observed on the Martian surface, according to flume tank experiments and numerical climate modelling.
The relative contributions of anthropogenic climate change and internal variability to sea level rise from a synthetic marine ice sheet can be estimated using a Bayesian approach, suggesting that attribution of real-world sea level rise may be possible.
Accurate representation of permafrost carbon emissions is crucial for climate projections, yet current Earth system models inadequately represent permafrost carbon. Sustained funding opportunities are needed from government and private sectors for prioritized model development.
While it may feel cold to the touch, Sheng Fan and David Prior explain that ice on Earth is relatively hot. Understanding ‘hot’ ice physics during deformation is critical in determining future sea-level rise.
Aerial photographs collected during mapping expeditions of Greenland’s coastline represent the only robust, widespread observations of twentieth-century glacier change for this vast island. We use this unique dataset to document the response of Greenland’s peripheral glaciers to climate change over approximately 130 years, providing enhanced confidence that recent changes are exceptional on a century timescale.
Swath radar maps of the subglacial landscape reveal how Antarctica’s geologic history has influenced the evolution of the ice sheet. The findings indicate the role of past interior ice streams in shaping ice-sheet growth and flow from Hercules Dome.