When glaciers melt, which changes occur to the cryosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere?

When glaciers melt, which changes occur to the cryosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere?

• A. Cryosphere increases, hydrosphere decreases, geosphere erosion
• B. Cryosphere decreases only
• C. Cryosphere decreases, hydrosphere increases, geosphere erosion
• D. No change

Answer: (C)

Melting glaciers reduce the amount of ice stored in the cryosphere. That lost ice turns into liquid water that flows into the hydrosphere, increasing the volume of water in oceans, rivers, and lakes (and contributing to sea‑level rise). The extra meltwater also enhances erosion in the geosphere by promoting stronger runoff, carrying more sediment, and reshaping landforms around former glaciers. So you see a decrease in cryosphere, an increase in hydrosphere, and erosion in the geosphere as the meltwater moves through the system.

Melting glaciers reduce the amount of ice stored in the cryosphere. That lost ice turns into liquid water that flows into the hydrosphere, increasing the volume of water in oceans, rivers, and lakes (and contributing to sea‑level rise). The extra meltwater also enhances erosion in the geosphere by promoting stronger runoff, carrying more sediment, and reshaping landforms around former glaciers. So you see a decrease in cryosphere, an increase in hydrosphere, and erosion in the geosphere as the meltwater moves through the system.