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request alternate formats. Please "contact us" to request a
format other than those available. Evidence is mounting that
snow and ice is declining world-wide, initiating changes in
global sea level, fresh water availability, permafrost
stability, ocean circulation, and ecosystem functioning. Global
concerns over how the changing cryosphere will affect
communities and ecosystems have initiated the International
Polar Year (IPY), a large scientific program focused on the
Arctic and Antarctic. Involving thousands of scientists from
over 60 countries, research projects focus on a variety of
biological, physical, and social topics and explore links
between