New AI Model Maps Global Glacier Ice Volume

A new global assessment of glacier ice, led by Ca' Foscari University of Venice in partnership with the Institute of Polar Sciences of the National Research Council of Italy (CNR‑ISP), has produced the most detailed map of ice volume to date. The research team used satellite observations, airborne radar, and ground‑based measurements to refine estimates of how much ice is stored in glaciers worldwide and where that ice is concentrated.

The updated map shows that glaciers contain roughly 27,000 cubic kilometres of ice, a figure that confirms the vast mass of frozen water that resides in the planet’s high‑altitude and polar regions. The bulk of this ice is located in the Himalayas, the Andes, the Arctic and Antarctic ice caps, and the mountain ranges of Alaska and the Alps. The study also highlights regional variations in ice thickness and volume, providing a clearer picture of how glacier systems differ across continents.

These findings offer a critical baseline for monitoring future changes in glacier mass and for understanding the potential impacts on sea‑level rise and freshwater resources. By delivering a more precise inventory of global glacier ice, the research underscores the importance of continued observation and modelling to track the response of cryospheric systems to climate change.