Living Ice: Understanding Glaciers and Glaciation

By Robert P. Sharp

Book 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.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0521407400
• ISBN13: 9780521407403
• Release Date: June 1991
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Length: 248 Pages
• Weight: 1.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 7.4" x 9.7"

Customer Reviews

A superb book on glaciation and glaciers

I was distressed to see this book is apparently out of print, as I believe it is the best, most complete book on glaciers and glaciation/glacial processes for the uninitiated reader. The graphic photographs lose none of their impact by being in black and white, and greatly aid the reader's understanding in following the matters discussed in the lucid, easily read text. Another virtue of the book is to emphasize, on first use, each term with which the reader may not be familiar. Learning of the topics and copics is greatly facilitated. Finally, the book contains easily understood diagrams of glaciers, and the landforms they create.Having read the book, the reader has become very familiar with the basic knowledge of this most important phenomenon, and stands ready to tackle more detailed work if he or she so desires. I recommend this work very, very highly.