Antartic Ice Sheets

Antarctic ice sheets are vast layers of ice covering the continent of Antarctica, containing about 70% of the world's fresh water. They form from accumulated snowfall over thousands of years and are constantly flowing slowly toward the ocean. These ice sheets influence global sea levels; as they melt or slide into the sea, they can contribute to rising sea levels worldwide. Their stability depends on climate conditions, and recent changes due to warming temperatures are a significant focus for scientists studying climate change impacts.