Abstract:
The Cryospheric regions, or regions where water is found in solid
form, are among the most sensitive to temperature change. Average
temperatures in snow and ice-covered areas typically remain below zero
Celsius much of the year. Unlike other substances found on Earth, ice
and snow exist relatively close to their melting point and frequently
change phase from solid to
... liquid and back again. Consequently,
consistent and prolonged warming trends should result in observable
changes to the Earth's cryosphere.
State of the Cryosphere provides readers with a look at climate
variability with regard to snow cover, sea ice, glaciers and the
related parameter sea level are discussed. In all cases scientists
attempt to monitor both the areal extent and mass of these snow and
ice bodies. Certainly areal extent is easier to determine than
mass. Various forms of remote sensing, from both aircraft and
satellite, allows scientists to look down on surfaces at varying
spatial scales and over time to determine if the snow or ice covered
area is expanding or contracting. Long-term monitoring includes
looking at the areal extent of snow cover and sea ice as well as
changes in area and mass of mountain glaciers. In all cases,
regardless of parameter or measurement method, the amount of snow and
ice have been decreasing over the past several decades. 
