Ancient Ice

(Paperback)

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Description

Glaciers have been around for a long time. Many formed at the end of the last ice age, about 20,000 years ago. Since then, they have shaped Earth's landscape, helped cool the planet, and provided living things with fresh water--all while weathering changes in Earth's climate. Studying glaciers can tell us a lot about how Earth's climate has shifted over time, how human activities are impacting the climate, and what might occur in the future. Packed with information, vibrant photos, and hands-on activities, this book helps students learn about glaciers, how they're changing, and what that might mean for the planet's future.

Reviews

Glaciers, huge rivers of slowly moving ice, are a crucial part of Earth's topography. They store almost 70 percent of our fresh water, cool the planet, change the physical landscape, and help maintain plant and animal life. However, due to increasing climate change, glaciers are melting and disappearing at an alarming rate. Golkar defines glaciers and ice sheets and their general locations. By mentioning (but not documenting) several scientific studies, Golkar shows how melt from glaciers is raising sea levels, flooding land, changing habitats, and otherwise impacting our world. There is a brief discussion about the causes of climate change--increased greenhouse gases, manufacturing, and deforestation--and how those causes drive the rapid melt of glaciers. The author explains the importance of glaciologists and their studies of the deep ice. Their work is showing just how quickly these rivers of ice are melting, even at the top of Mt. Everest! Golkar includes two simple experiments to provide some concrete activities to reinforce information about glaciers. This book has crisp, clear photographs of glaciers, and a detailed illustration of the water cycle. VERDICT A general purchase, especially where environment-focused titles are in need.--Lisa Crandall "School Library Journal"

Author Bio

Golriz Golkar is the author of more than 40 nonfiction books for children. Inspired by her work as an elementary school teacher, she loves to write the kinds of books that students are excited to read. Golriz holds a B.A. in American literature and culture from UCLA and an Ed.M. in language and literacy from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She loves to travel and study languages. Golriz lives in France with her husband and young daughter, Ariane. She thinks children are the very best teachers, and she loves learning from her daughter every day.