Why cryospheric and polar processes research?

Arctic climate
Arctic climate is rapidly changing, and this corresponds with what scientists expect from global warming. However, because of the Arctic's high latitude and seasonal exposure to sunlight, this polar region also experiences substantial natural climate variability. CIRES researchers are working to discern the causes of Arctic climate change, while also assessing the impact Arctic warming will have on global climate systems. We monitor variations in temperature and precipitation by sampling snow and ice, tracking sea ice and permafrost coverage, and measuring glacial melt.

Ice sheets and glaciers
Ice sheets and glaciers advance and retreat in response to the climate. By studying the rate of growth or loss in ice mass, CIRES scientists can better quantify the nature of present day climate variations. Our scientists also study the movement of ice sheets and glaciers in order to construct valuable climatological records of the past. From Antarctica to Greenland, we conduct field campaigns in many remote places and also monitor glaciers closer to home. The CIRES National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) maintains photographic records of the retreat of mountain glaciers in the U.S. and other mid-latitude regions.

Snow cover and snow hydrology
Seasonal snow covers up to 33 percent of the earth's total land surface and plays several important roles in the earth system. Snow's whiteness, for example, reflects incoming solar radiation, affecting the temperature of the planet. CIRES researchers are interested in knowing how dust and other pollutants alter the reflective properties of snow. Snow also stores a great deal of fresh water in certain parts of the world, such as in the Rocky Mountain states and California, where snowmelt is a large source of drinking and irrigation water. Our researchers look at how increasing global temperatures may impact Western U.S. water supplies.

Permafrost
In the cold regions of the earth, organic material is often frozen into the soil before it has a chance to fully decay. Observations show that this frozen soil layer, known as permafrost, is beginning to thaw in many high-latitude regions. CIRES is interested in learning more about how permafrost thaw will affect local hydrology and soil stability, as well as increase emissions of methane and other trace gases.

Research Snapshot
Arctic Sea Ice Minimum