A Field Guide to Ice

About this book

This book is an introduction to polar and other glacial landscapes. It shows the difference between ice sheets, ice caps and glaciers, illustrates the different types of sea ice, and introduces many other kinds of ice and snow. It includes many periglacial features, i.e. those occurring in cold but ice-free areas, and also provides an introduction to the landscapes left behind once the ice has retreated (postglacial features).

The polar regions are warming at a greater rate than most other parts of the planet – which has major long-term implications for the climate. This book, in helping people understand the characteristics of such ice-dominated landscapes, is therefore essential reading for those interested in climate change.

It is also an essential guide to those travelling to high latitudes, whether visiting as a tourist or researcher – or from the comfort of an armchair.

Contents

PART 1: SEA ICE
1a. Frozen Sea
1b. Floating Glacier Ice

PART 2: LAND ICE
2a. Glacier Types
2b. Glacial Features

PART 3: SNOW & OTHER ICE
3a. Snow
3b. Other ice

PART 4: PERIGLACIAL & POSTGLACIAL FEATURES
4a. Periglacial
4b. Postglacial

Customer Reviews

Biography

James Fenton is a naturalist based in Scotland who has always had a fascination for snow and ice. His first job was as a scientist with the British Antarctic Survey. He has led ski expeditions to Svalbard in the Arctic and lectured on many polar cruises.