Introduction to the Physics of the Cryosphere

This second edition defines different parts of the cryosphere including: permafrost, snow, land ice, sea ice, ocean, atmosphere and covers numerical modelling of thermodynamic exchanges: conservation of mass, energy, and momentum. It explores the physical basis behind phenomena such as formation of stone circles from melt-freeze processes, snow crystal formation and pressure-melting of glaciers. As an engaging course text for students, it discusses the contribution of melt to sea level rise and explains terms used commonly in the literature.

This book is intended for graduates with a numerical sciences background, particularly those who are heading towards postgraduate study or are generally interested in environmental physics.

Key Features

• Explains basic physics underpinning research topics

• Provides broad understanding of the fundamental cryospheric components

• Demonstrates how remote sensing measurements are interpreted and used to monitor the cryosphere

• Describes the importance of the cryosphere within the global ocean and its relationship with the climate

• Explains observed phenomena supported by many photos, illustrations, links to other reading material and videos