9. Glaciers, humans, and enduring ice

Abstract

A knowledge of glaciation is important because it provides us with an understanding of glaciers as Earth surface systems face climate change and of the glacial materials beneath the surface. Crucial are glacier-related hazards impacting directly on human society and glacial landforms and sediments lying at the surface of some of the most densely populated parts of our planet. ‘Glaciers, humans, and enduring ice’ considers glacial hazards, such as glacial lake outburst floods, and important engineering considerations, including sediment failure and seepage. It discusses the valuable legacy of past glaciations and asks if Earth is entering a new phase of ice-free conditions, the like of which it has not endured for more than 35 million years.