Glacial retreat

Glacial retreat refers to the process where glaciers lose mass and shrink in size. This occurs when the rate of melting and evaporation exceeds the amount of snow and ice accumulated during colder periods. Factors such as rising global temperatures due to climate change contribute significantly to this melting. As glaciers retreat, they expose underlying landscapes and can lead to rising sea levels, affecting ecosystems and human communities. Monitoring glacial retreat helps scientists understand climate change impacts and offers insights into future environmental patterns.