Image for Alpine Glacier

Alpine Glacier

Alpine glaciers are large, slow-moving masses of ice that form in mountainous regions where snowfall exceeds melting over many years. They flow gradually down valleys, shaping the landscape through erosion and deposition. These glaciers are sensitive indicators of climate change, shrinking or advancing in response to temperature variations. They serve as freshwater reservoirs for ecosystems and human use, and their retreat can lead to changes in sea levels and regional water supplies. Alpine glaciers are vital components of mountain environments, reflecting both natural climate patterns and human impacts on the environment.