Glaciers are formed as fallen snow compresses layers of ice over a period of time. Despite the fact that some scientists believe the Earth is still experiencing the so-called Little Ice Age, many people argue that as a result of global warming, glaciers all over the world are beginning to melt, leading to changing climate patterns; expanding sea waters and floods; heat waves; mudslides; earthquakes and tsunamis; a rise in precipitation levels; reductions in agricultural output; vanishing coral reefs; the release of trapped contaminants; and significant physical, economical, and environmental impacts on human society and biodiversity. According to current predictions, by 2050, one-third of the world's glaciers may be melted away. By 2090, that number could rise to one-half.

Some glacial melting is normal, and the ...