Description
Book SynopsisThe cryosphere encompasses the Earth's snow and ice masses. It is a critical part of our planet's climate system, one that is especially at risk from climate change and global warming. This title introduces readers to the cryosphere and the role it plays in our global climate system.
Trade Review"In this work, part of the Princeton Primers in Climate series, glaciologist Marshall examines the nature of ice and snow (the cryosphere) in all its various forms... This book is accessible to interested readers with a background in physics; it could also serve as a textbook in a senior undergraduate or graduate-level course."--Choice "[E]vidence of the author's expertise shines through... The book ends with a succinct and thoughtful summary of cryospheric changes in recent history."--R.J. Galley, Arctic "I recommend this book for anyone seeking a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the physical processes governing the primary components of the global cryosphere. This text offers more than enough information for a new student in the field, and provides a great jumping-off point for those seeking higher understanding of a particular area of cryospheric science."--Gina R. Henderson, Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society "[T]he quality of the book's content is beyond question. In its 288 pages The Cryosphere manages to provide an overview of all aspects of the Earth's cryosphere while, at the same time, leaving the reader feeling that he or she has gained significant technical insight into many of its key characteristic processes."--B. Hubbard, Antarctic Science
Table of ContentsPreface vii Chapter 1: Introduction to the Cryosphere 1 Chapter 2 Material Properties of Snow and Ice 11 Chapter 3 Snow and Ice Thermodynamics 36 Chapter 4 Seasonal Snow and Freshwater Ice 65 Chapter 5 Sea Ice 104 Chapter 6 Glaciers and Ice Sheets 127 Chapter 7 Permafrost 165 Chapter 8 Cryosphere-Climate Processes 180 Chapter 9 The Cryosphere and Climate Change 201 Chapter Glossary 241 Notes 249 Annotated Bibliography 251 Index 285
