Cryosphere - Definition and Overview

The cryosphere is frozen water in the form of snow, permanently frozen ground (permafrost), floating ice, and glaciers.

The cryosphere is one of the interrelated components of the Earth's (or similar planetary body) system. Fluctuations in the volume of the cryosphere cause changes in ocean sea-level, which directly impact the atmosphere, climate and biosphere.

External links

• Canadian Cryospheric Information Network (http://www.ccin.ca/)
• State of the Canadian Cryosphere (http://www.socc.ca/)