The cryosphere refers to the portions of the Earth's surface that are covered by ice and snow. This includes glaciers, ice caps, ice sheets, sea ice, and permafrost. The cryosphere plays a critical role in the Earth's climate system, influencing global temperatures, sea levels, and weather patterns. It is a key component of the Earth’s hydrological cycle and affects ecosystems and habitats, particularly in polar and alpine regions. Changes in the cryosphere, such as melting ice and changing snow cover, are significant indicators of climate change.
Cryosphere definition
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