The cryosphere consists of regions covered by snow or ice, whether land or sea. Includes Antarctica, the Arctic Ocean, Greenland, Northern Canada, Northern Siberia and most of the highest peaks of mountain ranges. Plays an important role in regulating global climate.
Snow and ice have high albedo, thus some parts of Antarctica reflect up to 90% of incident solar radiation, compared with the overall average is 31%. Without the cryosphere, the overall albedo would be considerably lower, more energy is absorbed at the surface and consequently the air temperature would be higher.
It also has a role in off the atmosphere to the oceans, reducing the transfer of moisture and momentum, and thus stabilizes the transfer of energy in the atmosphere. Finally, its presence significantly affects the volume of the oceans and global sea levels, changing it may affect the energy budget of the climate.
|
