Climatic warming since the end of the Little Ice Age has resulted in substantial glacier ice loss around the world. Most glaciers have undergone thinning and many exhibit retreat at their margins. Glacier loss triggers a cascade of hydrological and ecological effects that impact plants, animals and can create human hazard and economic hardship. USGS scientists are using a variety of methods and technologies to track glacier change in glacierized regions in North America. By understanding the link between climate and glacier loss scientists aim to enhance preparedness as increasing temperatures influence mountain ecosystems worldwide.
USGS Glacier Research - Climate Change in Mountain Ecosystems (CCME)
Understanding Climate Drivers – The loss of glaciers has far-reaching physical and ecological consequences that impact society. Glaciers are sensitively linked to climate, yet predicting exact glacier response to regional and local climate conditions requires research. Understanding glacier response to climate helps natural resource managers and policy makers prepare for change.
Glacier Monitoring - USGS scientists use emerging technologies to advance understanding of physical properties and the influence of climate variability on glacier loss.
USGS Benchmark Glacier Studies - Long-term mass balance research among five benchmark glaciers (including Sperry Glacier, GNP) advances our understanding of glacier-climate interactions and glacier processes. New fact sheet provides overview of USGS Benchmark Glacier Program.
Status of Glaciers in Glacier National Park- Glacier studies specific to the glaciers of Glacier National Park, MT.
Repeat Photography Project - Photographic documentation of glacier change in Glacier National park, MT.
Related Links:
Back to CCME
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Below are data or web applications associated with this project.
Below are multimedia items associated with this project.
Below are publications associated with this project.
Local topography increasingly influences the mass balance of a retreating cirque glacier Local topography increasingly influences the mass balance of a retreating cirque glacier
Glaciological measurements and mass balances from Sperry Glacier, Montana, USA, years 2005–2015 Glaciological measurements and mass balances from Sperry Glacier, Montana, USA, years 2005–2015
Glacier-derived August runoff in northwest Montana Glacier-derived August runoff in northwest Montana
Climate change links fate of glaciers and an endemic alpine invertebrate Climate change links fate of glaciers and an endemic alpine invertebrate
A century of climate and ecosystem change in Western Montana: What do temperature trends portend? A century of climate and ecosystem change in Western Montana: What do temperature trends portend?
Below are FAQ associated with this project.
Climatic warming since the end of the Little Ice Age has resulted in substantial glacier ice loss around the world. Most glaciers have undergone thinning and many exhibit retreat at their margins. Glacier loss triggers a cascade of hydrological and ecological effects that impact plants, animals and can create human hazard and economic hardship. USGS scientists are using a variety of methods and technologies to track glacier change in glacierized regions in North America. By understanding the link between climate and glacier loss scientists aim to enhance preparedness as increasing temperatures influence mountain ecosystems worldwide.
USGS Glacier Research - Climate Change in Mountain Ecosystems (CCME)
Understanding Climate Drivers – The loss of glaciers has far-reaching physical and ecological consequences that impact society. Glaciers are sensitively linked to climate, yet predicting exact glacier response to regional and local climate conditions requires research. Understanding glacier response to climate helps natural resource managers and policy makers prepare for change.
Glacier Monitoring - USGS scientists use emerging technologies to advance understanding of physical properties and the influence of climate variability on glacier loss.
USGS Benchmark Glacier Studies - Long-term mass balance research among five benchmark glaciers (including Sperry Glacier, GNP) advances our understanding of glacier-climate interactions and glacier processes. New fact sheet provides overview of USGS Benchmark Glacier Program.
Status of Glaciers in Glacier National Park- Glacier studies specific to the glaciers of Glacier National Park, MT.
Repeat Photography Project - Photographic documentation of glacier change in Glacier National park, MT.
Related Links:
Back to CCME
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Below are data or web applications associated with this project.
Below are multimedia items associated with this project.
Below are publications associated with this project.
Local topography increasingly influences the mass balance of a retreating cirque glacier Local topography increasingly influences the mass balance of a retreating cirque glacier
Glaciological measurements and mass balances from Sperry Glacier, Montana, USA, years 2005–2015 Glaciological measurements and mass balances from Sperry Glacier, Montana, USA, years 2005–2015
Glacier-derived August runoff in northwest Montana Glacier-derived August runoff in northwest Montana
Climate change links fate of glaciers and an endemic alpine invertebrate Climate change links fate of glaciers and an endemic alpine invertebrate
A century of climate and ecosystem change in Western Montana: What do temperature trends portend? A century of climate and ecosystem change in Western Montana: What do temperature trends portend?
Below are FAQ associated with this project.