Introducing KNOVA — A free reading app with curriculum-aligned passages on History & Science for Grades 3-8Learn More →

Melting Ice and Snow — Reading Comprehension

No ratings yet

Premium Resource

Grades

Standards

MS-ESS3-5

Rate this resource

Send Feedback / Report an Issue

About This Reader

This passage, designed for grades 6-8 and aligned with NGSS MS-ESS3-5, explores the mechanisms and impacts of melting ice and snow across Earth's cryosphere. Students will learn how Arctic sea ice, Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets, and mountain glaciers are shrinking, using real scientific evidence such as rates of ice loss and dramatic before-and-after photography. The passage explains key concepts like the ice-albedo feedback loop and permafrost thaw, connecting them to environmental, societal, and cultural consequences, including effects on Indigenous communities. Glossary terms support academic vocabulary. Activities include comprehension questions, writing prompts, and graphic organizers to deepen understanding. Audio integration is available for accessibility. This resource is ideal for middle school science curricula focusing on climate change and Earth systems.

CONTENT PREVIEW

iceberg, antarctica, ice, water, glacier, nature, iceland, ocean, winter, cold, landscape, snow, sea, arctic, frozen, climate — When ice and snow melt, the consequences reach far beyond the frozen regions. Image by astize / Pixabay.

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?

The part of Earth covered by frozen waterThe layer of Earth where plants growThe rocky part of Earth's crustEarth's oceans and seas

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

The ArcticThe SaharaThe AmazonThe Himalayas

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

Rising global temperatures due to greenhouse gasesIncreased snowfallEarthquakesMore sunlight in winter

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

Melting ice exposes dark surfaces that absorb more heat, causing more meltingIce makes the land colder by reflecting heatFeedback from glaciers to scientistsA process that creates more snow

What is permafrost?

Ground that stays frozen all yearA fast-moving glacierMelted snow in springA type of mountain rock

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

Damage to buildings and roads from thawing permafrostMore ice for shipping lanesLonger winters everywhereIncreased mountain heights

How do scientists track changes in glaciers and ice sheets?

Using satellite images and before-and-after photosListening to animal soundsCounting the number of snowflakesMeasuring tree growth

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

Indigenous communities that rely on ice for travel or huntingPeople living in desertsTourists visiting beachesPilots flying airplanes

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

TrueFalse

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

TrueFalse