Glaciation: A Very Short Introduction

Glaciers are large, majestic, and beautiful bodies of ice that play an important part in the Earth's system, carving landscapes and influencing climate on regional and hemispheric scales. They have a significant impact on global sea level and have experienced various major glaciations in their deep history. This Very Short Introduction offers an overview of glaciers and ice sheets as systems, considering the role of geomorphology and sedimentology in studying them, and their impacts on our planet in terms of erosional and depositional processes.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 25 October 2018
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Glaciers, vast and majestic entities, hold a captivating allure, capturing the imagination with their breathtaking beauty. These colossal ice formations account for a remarkable 10% of the world's freshwater reserves, playing a vital role in the intricate balance of the Earth's system. Glaciers carve intricate landscapes, shape mountains, and influence climate on regional and hemispheric scales, exerting a profound impact on global sea levels.

The Earth has a rich history of significant glaciations, predating the ice ages of the Quaternary. The observed effects of climate change on glaciers have recently brought them to the forefront of public attention, highlighting their importance in understanding the dynamics of our planet. In this Very Short Introduction, we delve into the world of glaciers and ice sheets, exploring their systems, geomorphology, sedimentology, and their profound impacts on our planet.

David Evans, a renowned expert in glaciology, examines the current state of glaciers and their ongoing processes. He explores the extent to which our knowledge of glaciers can be used in reconstructing and interpreting ancient glacial landscapes. Evans sheds light on the techniques and methodologies employed in glaciological research, providing insights into the tools and technologies used to study these icy giants.

The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press is renowned for its concise and accessible approach to complex subjects. Each title in the series offers a comprehensive overview, combining facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make even the most challenging topics highly readable. Glaciers: Vast, Majestic, and Stunningly Beautiful explores the captivating world of glaciers, providing a valuable introduction for students, enthusiasts, and anyone interested in understanding the Earth's natural wonders.

Weight: 180g
Dimension: 174 x 111 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198745853