Iskappenes

Iskappenes is a term used to describe ice caps, which are masses of ice covering a large area of land. These formations are typically found in polar regions and at high altitudes. Ice caps are distinct from glaciers and ice sheets, though they share some similarities. While glaciers are rivers of ice that flow downhill, and ice sheets are continental-scale masses of ice, ice caps are generally smaller and dome-shaped.

The formation of ice caps is a slow process that begins when snowfall accumulates over many years. As more snow falls, the weight of the upper layers compresses the snow below, transforming it into firn and eventually into dense glacial ice. The ice cap then grows outwards, often following the contours of the underlying terrain.

Iskappenes play a significant role in the Earth's climate system. They reflect a large amount of solar radiation back into space, which helps to regulate global temperatures. The melting of ice caps contributes to sea-level rise, a major concern in the context of climate change. Monitoring the size and behavior of ice caps provides valuable data for understanding climate trends and predicting future environmental changes. Examples of prominent ice caps include those found in Iceland, Norway, and on some Arctic islands.