Understanding Glaciers: Formation, Movement, and Impact

Glaciers form over centuries from accumulated snow that compresses into ice. Unlike regular ice, glacial ice is denser and can flow like a slow river due to its own weight and gravity.

Glaciers store about 69% of the world's freshwater. If all glaciers melted, global sea levels could rise by over 70 meters, dramatically altering coastlines and affecting millions of people.

Despite appearing static, glaciers are always on the move. They can advance or retreat depending on climate conditions, and some glaciers can move several meters a day, known as 'galloping' glaciers.

Glaciers sculpt landscapes through erosion and deposition, creating unique landforms like U-shaped valleys, fjords, and moraines. These features are evidence of past glaciations and help scientists understand Earth's climate history.

Glaciers host unique ecosystems with microbes that can survive extreme conditions. These microbes have potential biotechnological applications, including developing new antibiotics and understanding life in extreme environments like Mars.

Some glaciers contain tiny air bubbles that are over 800,000 years old, preserving ancient atmospheres and offering a glimpse into Earth's climatic past.