Bernhard Mogge

Viewed from space, the Earth appears as a "blue planet"; its surface is covered to a large extent by water. The regions around the South and North Pole are particularly striking. The Antarctic is almost completely covered by an ice shield up to several thousand meters (several miles) thick, and in the Arctic, large areas around the North Pole and Greenland are covered by ice. The huge ice shelf areas in Antarctica are particularly impressive, but there is also ice in other parts of the world: even at the equator high peaks are glaciated. In the mountains, glaciers represent an essential freshwater reserve that feeds many rivers. Water is a very special liquid, as it at its highest density and smallest volume at 4 °C (39 °C). This property, described by physicists as the anomaly of water, means that ice is lighter than water, which is why icebergs float on water and lakes freeze on the surface. Ice forms a hostile environment, but humans and animals have adapted to life on the ice. Indigenous peoples such as the Inuit in the Arctic have developed survival strategies over thousands of years. However, the traditional way of life of Arctic inhabitants is changing, and they are being forced to adapt. Some species such as the polar bear are threatened with extinction. This is due to climate change, which is causing temperatures to rise worldwide, particularly rapidly in the Arctic and Antarctic. As a result, glaciers are melting ever more quickly. Ice, which has always fascinated people with its bizarre beauty, is disappearing, and the effects on the environment and the economy are serious.

Canada borders the USA in the south and the Arctic Circle in the north. This results in a landscape diversity with endless forest areas in the south and ice and rock areas in the north, beyond the Arctic tree line. In over 500 pictures, this volume shows the multifaceted wilderness of Canada. These include the Banff National Park in the Rocky Mountains, famous for its numerous lakes, and the Niagara Falls on the border with the USA. The metropolis Toronto, Vancouver on the west coast, as well as the French-speaking cities Montreal or Quebec and the capital Ottawa are included.

Iceland's spectacular landscape is characterized by volcanism and abundance of water. Volcanoes, geysers, thermal springs, and lava fields are typical for the Nordic island state. This illustrated book shows over 350 images of glaciers, rugged peaks, weathered coastline, and Icelandic fjords.

A vast mountain range stretching from west to east over seven countries forms a barrier of rock, snow, and ice in the middle of Europe. This illustrated book shows the scenic diversity and beauty of the Alps which has over 100 thirteen-thousand-foot peaks, a rich flora and fauna, places very much worth seeing, and lovingly preserved customs.

A vast mountain range stretching from west to east over seven countries forms a barrier of rock, snow and ice in the middle of Europe. This illustrated book shows the scenic diversity and beauty of the Alps which has over 100 thirteen-thousand-foot peaks, a rich flora and fauna, places very much worth seeing and lovingly preserved customs.

Iceland's spectacular landscape is characterized by volcanism and abundance of water. Volcanoes, geysers, thermal springs, and lava fields are typical for the Nordic island state. This illustrated book shows more than 350 images of glaciers, rugged peaks, weathered coastline, and Icelandic fjords.

Canada borders the United States to the south and the Arctic Circle to the north. This results in a landscape diversity with endless forest areas in the south and ice and rock areas in the north, beyond the Arctic tree line. In more than 500 pictures, this volume shows the multifaceted wilderness of Canada. These include the Banff National Park in the Rocky Mountains, famous for its numerous lakes, and Niagara Falls on the border with the United States. The metropolises like Toronto, Vancouver on the west coast, as well as the French-speaking cities Montreal or Quebec, and the capital, Ottawa, are also included.