How Do Glaciers Melt?

What is a Glacier
A glacier is a huge block of solid ice that is formed over the years by falling snow. The size of glaciers can vary vastly from a few hundred meters to a few thousand meters in length (the Lambert glacier located in Antarctica is the largest glacier on earth and is approximately 40 miles wide and 440 miles long).

Even though a glacier is solid ice, it is constantly moving, though very slowly. Glaciers could move from a few inches to a few feet a day.

How is a Glacier Formed
Glaciers are formed where it snows and the temperatures are low enough not to allow all the fallen snow to melt. When a fresh layer of snow falls, the previous layer gets compressed. This cycle continues until the lower layers of snow get compressed enough to turn into solid ice. Formation of glaciers is not possible in areas where it snows and a change in season rises the temperature enough to melt all the fallen snow. The amount of snow melting must be less than the amount of snow that has fallen -- only then will it get converted into a glacier over a long period of time.

Melting of Glaciers
The melting of glaciers is a normal and natural process. Every glacier melts, the level of melting depending on the surrounding temperature. In most places containing glaciers across the globe, snow falls during the cold seasons and will get compressed into ice with further snowing. When the temperature does get a bit warmer the upper fresh layers of snow / partly formed ice begin melting and flowing down into streams and rivers. Many places on earth depend on this melted fresh water for survival. The melted snow provides fresh and pure drinking water, water for agriculture, and in many nations this flow of water is converted into electricity without polluting the atmosphere.

Glaciers are Melting Faster Today
It is normal for glaciers to melt and get replaced by more snow than the snow that has melted. In the past century this trend has changed world-over. Glaciers are melting faster than the snow replacing it, causing them to shrink in size year after year. There are many causes for this; but the main cause is said to be 'global warming'.

What is Global Warming
Also known as 'climate change', global warming is the increase in average temperatures worldwide. Over the past century the average worldwide temperature has risen by half a degree Celsius. Might seen very miniscule, but this slight change has already caused tremendous harm and damage all across the globe.

Rapid industrialization in the past century is the culprit. We have in the past 100 years burnt more fossil fuels than ever before. Fumes from automobiles and the indiscriminate burning of coal have all increased the levels of greenhouse gases which in turn trap more heat into the earth's atmosphere, raising average global temperatures.

Why are Glaciers Melting Faster Today
With an increase in global temperatures, glacier ice is melting faster. Almost everywhere, fresh snow can not replace the amount of melted glacier. This is leading to glaciers reducing in size. Many glaciers that existed even a hundred years ago are gone -- forever. If the current trend of global warming continues, many more glaciers will be gone forever within a few decades.

The disappearing of glaciers has a lot of bad effects, many of which are already beginning to surface. With a temperature rise, the sea water has heated up and sea water levels have risen. Melting glaciers (land based) are emptying into the sea, further increasing sea water levels. This will have a direct impact on those living in low lying coastal areas.

Glaciers absorb a little heat, reflecting most of the heat back into space. When a glacier has melted totally, it exposes the earth below. This earth will now absorb most of the heat, reflecting back just a small amount. This will cause the earth to heat further. This increased heat will cause the remaining glaciers to melt faster. This is a vicious cycle that is happening right now.

Help Reduce Global Warming
The blame for glaciers melting faster today lies entirely with us. We have caused a situation where the earth is heating up more than required, and glaciers are melting away into memories. Many on the planet are already feeling the horrible effects of melting glaciers. If we do not take immediate steps to help reduce global warming, many more will suffer in the years to come.