jégsapkák

Jégsapkák refer to the large masses of ice that accumulate on the surface of the Earth, primarily in polar regions. These vast frozen expanses are a crucial component of the planet's climate system. The two largest ice caps are found in Greenland and Antarctica, with smaller ones existing in Arctic islands. These ice caps are formed over thousands of years through the accumulation and compaction of snow.

The thickness of ice caps can be substantial, with Antarctica's ice sheet reaching over 4 kilometers in some areas. Their presence significantly influences global temperatures by reflecting solar radiation back into space, a phenomenon known as the albedo effect. Melting of these ice caps contributes to rising sea levels, posing a threat to coastal communities worldwide. Scientific research on ice caps provides invaluable data about past climate conditions preserved within the ice layers. Changes in the extent and thickness of ice caps are closely monitored as indicators of global warming and climate change.