The frozen region of the Earth, which includes snow and ice, is known as the cryosphere. As it influences many facets of climate and weather, including as sea level rise, precipitation, and temperature, it is a crucial component of the Earth's climate system. Since it reflects and absorbs solar radiation and regulates global temperatures, the cryosphere has a significant impact on the climate of the entire planet.

Snow and ice, including sea ice, glaciers, ice sheets, snow and ice on rivers and lakes, and seasonal snow cover, make up the cryosphere. The climate of the Earth is directly impacted by the quantity and distribution of snow and ice in the cryosphere. The cryosphere's snow and ice reflect and absorb solar radiation, which aids in controlling global temperatures. Large amounts of water are also stored in the snow and ice, and when it melts, this water is released into the atmosphere, increasing the amount of water vapor there and changing the patterns of precipitation around the world.

The cryosphere has been reacting to global warming over the past few decades because it is so sensitive to climate change. Temperatures in the Arctic have been rising more quickly than the world average, melting glaciers and sea ice. Sea levels have been rising as a result of the melting of glaciers and ice sheets. Warmer temperatures can bring more snowfall and rain, which can increase flooding and landslides in some regions.