ClimateAugust 31, 2026

polythermal

PAH-lee-THUR-muhl

Definition

Describing a glacier that consists of both temperate ice (at its melting point) and cold ice (below its melting point) throughout its structure.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek 'polys' (many) and 'therme' (heat), the term describes a system possessing multiple temperature zones.

In the news

The article uses 'polythermal' to describe the internal temperature structure of Himalayan glaciers, noting that their thermal composition influences how susceptible they are to structural failure as temperatures rise.

Hanging Glaciers: Formation, Features & Climate Change Risks

Read the full article ↗

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