Description
Book SynopsisVanishing Ice is a powerful depiction of the dramatic transformation of the cryosphere—the world of ice and snow—and its consequences for the human world. Vivien Gornitz gives an up-to-date explanation of key current trends in the decline of ice mass and how it will affect will affect countless people far removed from frozen regions.
Trade ReviewAnyone who wants a better understanding of the different parts of the cryosphere, the consequences of melting ice, and this aspect of climate change will find this book an invaluable resource. -- Suzanne B. O'Connell, Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Wesleyan University
Vanishing Ice is an informative, engaging introduction to sea level rise and the total remake of the icy parts of our world already underway due to climate change. Few books about scientific topics are as accessible to novices and as informative to experts. -- Michael Oppenheimer, Albert G. Milbank Professor of Geosciences and International Affairs, Princeton University
Vanishing Ice brings readers to the cryosphere and its ongoing changes in a nuanced and informative fashion. Scientists as well as students and curious people alike will benefit from this fascinating book. -- Marco Tedesco, Lamont Research Professor, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory
A cogent analysis of this systemic, human-driven catastrophe. * Nature *
The writing style is engaging and accessible. The book's focus is on how and why climate change is affecting the frozen world and society, but Gornitz also manages to convey some of the romanticism of polar exploration through her descriptions of beautiful glacial landscapes. -- Bethan Davies * American Scientist *
Gornitz provides an excellent account of historical cryospheric data collection . . .[The book's] long-term view effectively contextualizes the recent changes and provides strong evidence regarding the role of humans in contemporary climate change. * Choice *
Makes an extended argument for why everyone should care about all this melting, even those who live far from any ice. * New York Review of Books *
Unpretentious and soundly well informed. -- Bryan Mark, Ohio State University * The Quarterly Review of Biology *
Table of ContentsPreface
Acknowledgments
1. Whither the Snows of Yesteryear?
2. Ice Afloat—Ice Shelves, Icebergs, and Sea Ice
3. Impermanent Permafrost
4. Darkening Mountains—Disappearing Glaciers
5. The Greenland Ice Sheet
6. Antarctica: The Giant Ice Locker
7. From Greenhouse to Icehouse
8. Return to the Greenhouse
9. The Importance of Ice
Appendix A. Anticipating Future Climate Change
Appendix B. Eyes in the Sky—Monitoring the Cryosphere from Above
Appendix C. Geologic Time Scale
Glossary
Notes
Bibliography
Index
