Translation

氷河 / グレイシャー

Meaning

A large, slow-moving mass of ice formed from compacted snow that has accumulated over thousands of years. Glaciers flow slowly downhill under their own weight, sometimes only a few centimetres per day. They are found in polar regions and in mountains. Glaciers are important freshwater reserves and shape landscapes through erosion. In climate change discussions, 'glaciers are melting' is a key phrase indicating global warming.

Examples

• アルプスの氷河は気候変動により急速に縮小している。
  The glaciers of the Alps are shrinking rapidly due to climate change.
• 氷河が溶けると海面が上昇する。
  When glaciers melt, sea levels rise.