Glaciers are a good indicator of Earth’s health. If they melt quickly, it means an increase in temperatures, a rise in sea levels, dramatic changes for our water cycle, and increase in extreme weather patterns everywhere.
Scientists keep an eye on glaciers using satellites that orbit Earth. For example, NASA has the Landsat series of satellites that measure many changes in Earth’s surface, including glaciers!
Landsat imagery courtesy of NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and U.S. Geological Survey
These satellites have sensors that collect different types of data to tell us the size of glaciers, their temperature, and how quickly they’re melting. This information helps us keep track of changes in real-time, which is helpful for scientists to develop a better understanding of how climate change is happening. With a deeper understanding, our communities and governments can take informed action to protect the environment.