How do glaciers and ice caps influence global climate and sea level dynamics by storing freshwater, reflecting sunlight, and impacting atmospheric circulation, ocean currents, and marine ecosystems, and how are they responding to climate change through processes such as melting, calving, and retreat?

Glaciers and ice caps play a significant role in global climate and sea level dynamics. They store vast amounts of freshwater, regulating global water cycles and contributing to sea level stability. Additionally, their bright surfaces reflect sunlight, influencing regional and global temperature patterns. As glaciers and ice caps melt and retreat due to climate change, they release freshwater into the oceans, contributing to sea level rise. Melting ice also alters ocean salinity, density, and circulation patterns, impacting marine ecosystems and weather systems. The accelerated melting, calving, and retreat of glaciers and ice caps are significant indicators of ongoing climate change and its impacts on Earth’s cryosphere.