The Earth is made up of many systems that are constantly interacting with each other.  The hydrosphere and atmosphere are very closely related and are often linked together in an energy ‘conveyor belt’.  The interactions between the ocean and atmosphere distribute incoming energy from the sun and drive climate patterns across the globe.  This has important impacts upon the distribution of ice within the cryosphere. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Clouds also impact the energy flow into the cryosphere.  When there are a lot of clouds, some of the sun's heat energy is blocked.  As a result, less of this energy reaches the cryosphere.  On the other hand, when the sky is clear, heat energy directly hits the cryosphere, causing the ice to melt faster.  In the cryosphere, the ice caps store heat energy.  Increasing temperatures will cause the ice particles to gather extra heat energy and melt.  The loss of ice and snow from the cryosphere causes a decrease in the area of white surfaces, leading to less energy to be reflected and more to be absorbed.  This process warms the Earth even more.  Furthermore, when heat energy flows out of the system, temperatures are lowered and the melting of ice caps is slowed.

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