Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Polar ice caps are large masses of ice that cover polar regions like Antarctica and Greenland. They play a crucial role in regulating global climate by reflecting sunlight back into space.
Related terms
Glacial Retreat: The shrinking or melting of glaciers due to warmer temperatures.
Albedo Effect: The ability of a surface to reflect sunlight. Higher albedo means more reflection, while lower albedo means more absorption.
Sea Ice Loss: The reduction in the extent or thickness of floating sea ice in polar regions due to global warming.