Glacification

/ɡlæsɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/ noun

Definition

The geological process by which water or land becomes covered with glaciers or ice over long periods of time.

Etymology

From glacify (to turn into glacier) plus -ation, a suffix forming nouns of action or process. The root traces back through French 'glace' (ice) to Latin 'glacies.'

Kelly Says

Glacification is happening in reverse right now—Greenland's glaciers are melting so fast that some scientists can actually watch mountains rise as the heavy ice weight lifts off them!

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