Living Ice: Understanding Glaciers and Glaciation

by Robert P. Sharp

Overview

Glaciers, so simple in chemical composition, are actually complex, vital entities. Far from being a passive chunk of ice, a glacier is a dynamic system, sensitive to its surroundings and constantly changing to adapt to its environment. An appreciation of the natural beauty of glaciers are created, how they behave, how they affect the environment and how they are eventually destroyed. Few people are untouched by glaciers. A significant part of the world's population inhabits areas formerly covered by glacial ice, which left its marks on the land. Today, glaciers are only found in select parts of the world, but by their influence on global sea level and climatic change, they could have a dramatic effect on modern humanity. Living Ice: Understanding Glaciers and Glaciation aims to increase our knowledge and understanding of glacial activity and products. It is written in a nontechnical and engaging style. The text is peppered with anecdotes and insights from one of the world's experts on glaciers and it is also liberally and thoughtfully illustrated by numerous stunning black and white and colour illustrations. It is suitable for anyone with a passing knowledge of earth science and an interest in the world of living ice.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521407403
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	06/28/1991
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	248
Product dimensions:	7.40(w) x 9.60(h) x 0.30(d)

Table of Contents

Preface; 1. Glaciers and how they are made; 2. Types, features and characteristics of glaciers; 3. Glacier movement; 4. Unusual glacier behaviour; 5. Glacial erosion; 6. Products of glacial erosion; 7. Glacial transport and deposition; 8. Products of glacial deposition; 9. The past and the future; Supplementary reading; Glossary; Index.

Editorial Reviews

Review of the hardback: 'It's a delight to read a book by a writer who is tops in the world on his subject. Bob Sharp has studied glaciers at first-hand - camped on them, struggled up and down them and flown over them for forty years. Nobody is better qualified to tell about them. This book is 'required reading' for anyone interested in this fascinating subject.' Bradford Washburn

Review of the hardback: 'A beautifully written and finely illustrated book about glaciers, glacial erosion and deposition … It is an extremely well written monograph of literary merit that should be required reading for all levels of natural science students and professionals alike.' Choice

'The book is written in a conversational, nontechnical style clearly intended for the interested non-geologist. Nevertheless, professionals who are not specialists in glacial geography or glaciology (and many who are) will find this a worthwhile book to read.' American Scientist

From the Publisher

Written in a nontechnical style. Explains how glaciers form on land areas where the annual snowfall exceeds its melting. Assessible to lay readers. An appealing book. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews