What is cryosphere

Cryosphere fun facts: Examples: It is known as cryosphere or cryosphere (from the Greek kryos “ice” and “globe” sphere) to all those components of frozen water on Earth , which are found under or on the surface of oceanic and / or terrestrial systems. Among those that are recognized:

• Snow and hail .
• The ice caps.
• The glaciers .
• Sea ice.
• Icebergs or icebergs.
• The frozen rivers and lakes.
• Permafrost.
• Frozen soils according to the season.

Where is the cryosphere located: After knowing the definition of the cryosphere and some of its components, we will learn more by talking about the main characteristics of the cryosphere :

• It is created in the highest latitudes and altitudes, in addition to low temperature areas.
• It usually turns between transparent, white and light blue.
• Depending on where it is on the ground, it may have formed thousands of years ago.
• There are places whose appearance is seasonal during the winter season.
• Some glaciers show a pink color associated with algae that develop in the upper layers of ice and snow. This factor is estimated to be a bioindicator of climate change.
• The largest volume of global ice is harbored in Antarctica.
• About three-quarters of the world’s fresh water is contained in the cryosphere.
• They are thermal regulators.

Cryosphere fun facts: Characteristics: The cryosphere has a relevant role in the global climate by influencing the hydrological cycle or the water cycle , affecting clouds, aquifers, circulation of the atmosphere and oceans, rainfall … In addition, as we indicated before, it acts as a global thermal regulator due to its following properties:

• Surface reflectance (albedo effect ): being clear surfaces, they reflect a higher percentage of radiation compared to other surfaces (oceans, vegetation, land, deserts …).
• Thermal diffusivity: corresponds to the speed at which heat is transmitted through an object. In snow and ice it travels noticeably slower than through air, acting as thermal insulators. Where is the cryosphere located
• Latent heat: it is the energy released or stored in phase changes at a constant temperature. In relation to the cryosphere, it is the energy required to transform the states of water: solid, liquid, gas.

Cryosphere fun facts: Examples: From a more anthropocentric point of view, ice provides us with information about what happened on Earth years ago. Thanks to the ice surfaces that remain constant, it has been analyzed that there were several global warming millions of years ago, so it allows us to know how the Earth’s climatic evolution has been . Where is the cryosphere located

Cryosphere fun facts: Other reasons for the great importance of the cryosphere are the following:

• Provides water for ecosystems, people, animals and plants.
• It facilitates the study of the climatic evolution of the Earth.
• Reflects sunlight and regulates global climate.
• It is the habitat of a large number of animals and plants.
• Some cultures depend on it, such as those native to the Arctic.

Cryosphere fun facts: Due to the increase in temperatures associated with climate change , accelerated by the anthropic effect, the volume of ice in the cryosphere has been gradually reducing in recent decades. The entire scientific community confirms the direct association that exists between the increase in climate change and the melting of the surface of frozen or cryogenic water . According to the IPPCC (Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control) between 2007 and 2016 in Antarctica the loss of ice has tripled.

Where is the cryosphere located: Among the multiple effects of the melting of the cryosphere are:

• Cryosphere fun facts: Examples: The worst case scenario estimates a sea ​​level rise of 1.1 m in coastal areas. This implies large migrations associated with climate change, as well as loss of surface area and resources. Here we talk more about Sea Level Rise: causes and consequences .
• Cryosphere fun facts: Some frozen surfaces have trapped CO2. When melting, this gas tends to acidify the oceans . Certain marine species are very sensitive to changes in pH, even dying, as is the case with corals. Which form the habitat of large species. Which implies a loss of associated biodiversity. Learn more about Acidification of the oceans: what it is, causes and consequences with this other article.
• Cryosphere fun facts: As there is more surface of liquid water and not so cold, there would be large movements of oceanic species from subtropical to more arctic areas, altering ecological niches.
• Cryosphere fun facts: Characteristics: Part of the CO2 retained would rise to the atmosphere, increasing the greenhouse effect . Recent scientific studies are highlighting how the melting of permafrost will increase the increase in global warming.
• By reducing the white ice surface, the albedo effect is reduced and therefore the radiation absorbed by the earth increases, increasing the greenhouse effect.
• Modification of salinity, currents and marine ecosystems , due to the incursion of fresh water in these areas.