cryosphere
noun
cryo·sphere
ˈkrī-ō-ˌsfir
plural cryospheres
: the part of the earth's surface characterized by the presence of frozen water
The cryosphere consists of mountain glaciers and continental ice sheets, seasonal snow and ice cover on land, and sea ice.—Raymond S. Bradley
The third component of the climate system, after the atmosphere and oceans, is the cryosphere—extensive ice fields of Antarctica and Greenland plus other stretches of continental snow and ice and sea ice.—Stephen H. Schneider
also
: a region that is part of the earth's cryosphere
We know that sea levels are rising because of thermal expansion of the ocean as well as the disintegration and the melting of the cryospheres of the world's glaciers. —Elizabeth Rush
Articles Related to cryosphere
Cite this Entry
“Cryosphere.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cryosphere. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share