Antarctic ice loss between 1996 and 2006, overlaid on a Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiameter (MODIS) mosaic image of Antarctica. The colors indicate

the speed of the ice loss. Purple/red is fast. Green is slow. Image credit: NASA

What is down with Icebergs?

Icebergs are 4/5ths under the water so the impact of melting is

not as significant as ice that is rooted on land masses

1919 image of Athbasca Glacier, Jasper National Park, Canada, courtesy National Archives of Canada, from the Wheeler Survery;

• seasonal meltwater from glaciers is the life support for billions of people. • Large cities like Lima, Peru get water from glaciers. • As more and more water reaches the ocean, it is increasing sea level at a faster rate • This will inundate rice fields and estuaries that feed billions, and displace populations.

2005 image © Gary Braasch

This mile-long ice cliff of Marr Ice Piedmont, Anvers Island, Antarctica has receded about 500 meters since the mid 1960s.

Perhaps the most dramatic glacier withdrawal has been in the Alps, where it has occurred in full view of residents, tourists and scientists.

This is a 1859 etching of the Rhone glacier in the Kanton of Valais, Switzerland, 2.5 km wider and 450 M higher.

Alaska's glaciers are receding at twice the rate previously thought, according to a study published in the July 19, 2002 Science journal.

These two images show Portage Glacier, near Anchorage, Alaska, the ice has pulled back nearly out of sight.

Portege Glacier 1914 Portege Glacier 2004

Where is ice growing ?:

Karakoram Mountains, Pakistan

Whitney glacier on Mount Shasta, California

Hubbard Glacier, Alaska