Glacier Retreat

Glacier retreat refers to the process where glaciers are shrinking and losing mass due to melting, primarily caused by rising global temperatures. As the Earth warms, warmer air and water cause ice to melt faster than it can accumulate from snowfall. This results in the glaciers moving back, or retreating, from their previous positions. Glacier retreat is a significant indicator of climate change and has widespread effects on ecosystems, sea levels, and freshwater resources. Monitoring glacier health helps scientists understand the impacts of climate change and predict future environmental changes.