Glaciers as Global Reservoirs and Climate Change Players

But glaciers certainly hold their own in the reservoir department.  How does the earth use glaciers?  Temperature control -- as in giant thermal cooler?  Reservoir -- as in frozen lake?  Nature has many adaptive strategies to manage the earth's tiny supply of fresh water to meet various needs.

You can view stunning images of glaciers from around the world and examine their interrelationship with climate -- with a focus on the glaciers of Alaska -- through a new USGS Web site.

The photos, taken years apart but from the same location, provide spectacular examples of how Alaskan landscapes and glaciers are responding to changing climate. The site also provides an introduction to climate, weather, glaciers, and sea level through basic terms and general information to help the non-scientist appreciate the role of glaciers in the global climate picture.

The USGS has an extensive, well-regarded history in research and monitoring of climate change and its impacts. Visit the site at www.usgs.gov/global_change/glaciers/.