Glaciers, massive rivers of ice that move over land, are among Earth’s most powerful natural forces. Formed from layers of compressed snow over thousands of years, glaciers can be found on every continent except Australia, with the largest concentrations in Antarctica and Greenland.
These icy giants are dynamic, slowly flowing under their own weight and carving landscapes in the process. Valleys, fjords, and even some of the world’s most iconic mountains owe their shape to glacial erosion.
Glaciers are also vital to the planet’s ecosystem, acting as freshwater reservoirs that feed rivers and support agriculture. However, rising global temperatures are causing glaciers to melt at an unprecedented rate, contributing to sea level rise and threatening ecosystems.
Studying glaciers offers insight into Earth’s past and future, highlighting the delicate balance between climate and life.
