Ice Shelf

The book traces the evolution of our understanding of ice shelves, from early explorations to the sophisticated satellite observations of today. It emphasizes the social and economic implications of ice shelf loss, particularly for vulnerable coastal communities. Using diverse data sources, it examines changes in ice shelf extent and thickness, connecting glaciology, oceanography, and climatology. Ice Shelf presents a comprehensive yet accessible overview.

The book progresses logically, first introducing the fundamental properties of ice and ocean interactions. It then analyzes the processes controlling ice shelf mass balance, dedicating chapters to basal melting, surface melting, and iceberg calving. Finally, it discusses observed changes in Antarctica and Greenland and their implications for global sea level rise, providing a holistic view of these Earth Science giants.