ICE CAP Meaning and
Definition
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An ice cap refers to a mass of perennial ice and snow that covers a relatively small area and forms a continuous dome-shaped or gently sloping layer on the Earth's surface. These frozen features are commonly found in polar regions, primarily in Greenland and Antarctica, but can also be observed in high mountainous regions. Typically, ice caps are characterized by their extensive ice accumulation and a significant lack of melting throughout the year.
Covering an area ranging from a few square kilometers to several tens of thousands, these ice caps are formed by the accumulation of snowfall over many years that compacts into ice and gradually thickens. They act as important water reservoirs on the planet, locking up vast quantities of freshwater in the form of ice.
Ice caps greatly influence the global climate system as they reflect a considerable amount of sunlight back into space, thus having a cooling effect on the Earth's surface. Additionally, they contribute to sea level rise when they melt or calve off icebergs into the surrounding oceans. Moreover, ice caps store valuable information about past climate conditions, as their layers of ice contain trapped air bubbles that provide scientists with records of historical atmospheric composition and climate change.
Due to the ongoing effects of global warming, ice caps are experiencing accelerated melting rates, which poses significant environmental concerns such as rising sea levels, altered ocean currents, and potential disruptions to marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
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An i. bag made of such a shape as to be readily fitted over the head.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ICE CAP
- uce cap
- jce cap
- kce cap
- oce cap
- 9ce cap
- 8ce cap
- ixe cap
- ive cap
- ife cap
- ide cap
- icw cap
- ics cap
- icd cap
- icr cap
- ic4 cap
- ic3 cap
- ice xap
- ice vap
Etymology of ICE CAP
The word "ice cap" is derived from Middle English "is" or "ice", which came from Old English "īs" or "īs-", ultimately originating from the Proto-Germanic language. The term "cap" refers to a covering or top portion, which is derived from Middle English "cappe" or "cap", originating from Old English "coppa" or "cæppe". The combination of these words forms "ice cap", referring to a large covering or cap of ice found over vast areas of land.
Similar spelling words for ICE CAP
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