Intro (Micro Notes Format):
Cryosphere includes Earth’s frozen water parts — glaciers, sea ice, snow cover, permafrost, ice sheets & ice caps. It plays a critical role in regulating global climate systems through energy balance, sea-level control, and atmospheric interactions.
Cryosphere’s Influence on Global Climate:
1. High Albedo Effect:
- Snow & ice reflect 80–90% of solar radiation, reducing heat absorption.
- Loss of ice (e.g. Arctic melt) reduces albedo, causes positive feedback warming.
2. Sea Level Regulation:
- Melting of glaciers & ice sheets (especially Greenland, Antarctica) contributes to rising sea levels.
- Affects coastal climate & ecosystems globally.
3. Ocean Circulation Impact:
- Melting polar ice alters salinity & temperature gradients.
- Disrupts Thermohaline Circulation (e.g., Gulf Stream), influencing weather across continents.
4. Carbon Feedback Mechanism:
- Thawing permafrost releases methane & CO₂, enhancing greenhouse effect.
- Accelerates global warming & destabilizes climatic equilibrium.
5. Weather Pattern Alteration:
- Polar ice melt weakens Jet Streams, causing erratic weather (heatwaves, cold spells).
- Amplifies extreme weather events in mid-latitudes (e.g., US, Europe, India).
6. Monsoon Influence:
- Himalayan glaciers affect Asian monsoons & freshwater flows into rivers.
- Their retreat impacts agriculture, water security, and regional climate.
7. Cryosphere as Climate Archive:
- Ice cores store ancient atmospheric gases, helping model past & future climate changes.
Conclusion:
Cryosphere acts as a climate regulator, reflector, and reservoir, and its degradation accelerates global climate change, demanding urgent mitigation and adaptation strategies.
