Final answer:
As the globe cools and more glaciers form, there is a decline in sea ice, glacier mass and size, and snow cover. Glacier National Park has experienced significant glacier retreat, affecting seasonal water supplies and ecosystems. Current climate change trends indicate further reduction in ice mass and increased sea level rise.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the globe cools and more glaciers form, there is a general decline in sea ice, glacier mass and size, and snow cover. For instance, Arctic sea ice has been shrinking significantly, with a projection of further declines in its extent. The retreat of glaciers has been a subject of note since the early 20th century, with the industrial revolution amplifying this effect due to increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Glacier National Park is a noticeable example, where the glacier count significantly decreased from around 150 in 1850 to about 24 by 2010. Consequently, this has led to a reduction in summer meltwaters, profoundly impacting seasonal water supplies and local ecosystems.
Effects on Glaciers and Sea Ice
Decreased extent of annually averaged sea ice by about 15% for every 2°F of warming.
25% decrease in September Arctic sea ice with additional warming.
Increased melt rate contributing to sea level rise.
Furthermore, the effect of global cooling brought about by lowering CO2 levels in the past led to the formation of permanent ice sheets in Antarctica. However, present-day climate change contributes to the widespread retreat of glaciers and diminishing ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica, which is an indicator of current global warming trends affecting the physical environment.