Snow and ice are found in diverse environments across the globe, ranging from high mountain peaks to polar ice caps, and even in more temperate regions where seasonal snow plays a vital role in ecosystems. These frozen elements are essential components of the Earth’s climate system, influencing weather patterns, water cycles, and habitats for a variety of species. However, they are also highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, with rising temperatures leading to accelerated melting of glaciers, shrinking ice sheets, and changes in snow cover.

In these sessions, we will delve into the various scales at which snow and ice operate, from the microscopic structure of snowflakes in forested regions to the immense ice sheets covering Antarctica and Greenland. We will examine how snow microphysics, the small-scale processes governing snow behavior, affect broader systems, such as forest ecosystems and water supplies. Additionally, we will explore the significant implications of ice sheet dynamics on global sea levels and climate regulation. Understanding these systems is critical as they are increasingly under threat from human-induced climate change. Our sessions will provide insights into the latest research and highlight the urgent need for sustainable solutions to protect these crucial environments.