cryosphere

/ˈkrɑɪoʊˌsfɪər /

Other forms: cryospheres

The parts of the earth covered with ice or snow are known as its cryosphere. The ice caps, glaciers, and permafrost are all part of the cryosphere.

Cryosphere derives from Greek roots, kryos, "cold," and sphaira, "globe." Every part of the planet's surface that's covered in frozen water belongs to the cryosphere. A snow-capped mountain in Vermont is a temporary, seasonal part of the cryosphere, and so is the frozen pond in your backyard. Other parts of the cryosphere, like the Antacrctic ice sheet, have remained unthawed for millions of years.

Definitions of cryosphere

1. noun

   the region of the earth’s surface where water is frozen