mantereenjäätiköiden

Mantereenjäätiköiden, meaning continental glaciers or ice sheets, are vast masses of ice that form on land over long periods. These enormous ice bodies cover large portions of continents, particularly in polar regions. The most significant examples are the Antarctic ice sheet and the Greenland ice sheet, which collectively hold the vast majority of Earth's freshwater.

Continental glaciers are formed by the accumulation and compaction of snow over thousands of years. As more snow falls, the weight of the upper layers compresses the lower layers into ice. The immense pressure and gravity cause the ice to flow outwards from the center of accumulation, shaping the underlying landscape through erosion and deposition.

The formation and melting of continental glaciers play a crucial role in Earth's climate system and sea level. During glacial periods, vast ice sheets can expand, drawing down sea levels. Conversely, during interglacial periods, warming temperatures cause these glaciers to retreat, releasing meltwater and raising sea levels. Their presence influences global temperatures, ocean currents, and weather patterns. Monitoring the changes in these ice sheets is vital for understanding and predicting future climate change impacts.