Melting Ice and Snow — Reading Comprehension

Melting ice and snow are transforming Earth's cryosphere, which is the part of the planet covered by frozen water. Each year, scientists observe a steady decline in the amount and thickness of sea ice, glaciers, and snow cover across the globe. These changes are not just local problems—they influence global climate, ecosystems, and human communities. Studying the loss of ice and snow helps scientists understand how Earth's systems interact and why these changes matter for everyone.

Mechanisms of Melting: Why Is the Cryosphere Changing?
The main driver behind melting ice and snow is rising global temperatures. When greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide trap heat in Earth's atmosphere, more energy is absorbed at the surface, causing ice and snow to melt faster. Arctic sea ice is especially vulnerable: since 1979, its summer extent has declined by about 13% per decade, and the remaining ice is much thinner. In Greenland, the vast ice sheet is losing around 280 billion tons of ice each year, while Antarctica loses about 150 billion tons annually—and the rate is increasing. Mountain glaciers—from Montana's Glacier National Park to the Alps, Himalayas, and Andes—are retreating worldwide. Scientists use satellite images, direct measurements, and dramatic before-and-after photos to track these rapid changes.

Broader Impacts: Connections and Feedbacks
When ice and snow melt, the consequences reach far beyond the frozen regions. One key effect is the ice-albedo feedback: ice and snow reflect most sunlight, but when they melt, darker land or water is exposed, absorbing more heat and causing even more melting. Thawing permafrost—ground that used to stay frozen all year—releases greenhouse gases and can damage buildings and roads as the ground softens. Less snow cover means water supplies change, spring arrives earlier, and habitats for animals and plants shift. Indigenous communities that rely on ice for travel, hunting, or culture are losing traditional ways of life. These changes show how Earth's systems are connected and how local changes can have global effects.

Observing and Responding to Change
Before-and-after photographs and satellite data make the scale of ice loss clear. For example, pictures from Glacier National Park show dramatically shrunken glaciers over just a few decades. Scientists use this evidence to make predictions and to guide decisions about how to adapt to or slow these changes. Understanding the causes and effects of melting ice and snow is important for protecting ecosystems, planning for the future, and supporting communities at risk.

In summary, melting ice and snow are reshaping Earth's cryosphere, altering climate feedbacks, and affecting people and nature around the world. The changes are happening quickly, but through science and observation, we can better understand and respond to these challenges.

Interesting Fact: 
Over 75% of the fresh water on Earth is stored as ice in glaciers and polar ice sheets.

What is the cryosphere?

Which region has lost about 13% of its summer sea ice per decade since 1979?

What is the main cause of melting ice and snow, according to the passage?

In the passage, what does the term 'ice-albedo feedback' mean?

What is permafrost?

Which of the following is an example of a real-world impact from melting ice and snow?

How do scientists track changes in glaciers and ice sheets?

According to the passage, which group is especially affected by melting ice?

True or False: The passage states that over 75% of Earth's fresh water is stored as ice.

True or False: Melting ice and snow only affect the regions where they are found.