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Ice sheet

UK //aɪs ʃiːt// US //aɪs ʃit// Pronunciation

Definition

A massive layer of ice that covers extensive land areas, particularly in polar regions.

Listen to definition

In simple words: A large area of ice covering land.

Examples

• The Antarctic **ice sheet** is the largest in the world.
• Scientists study the Greenland **ice sheet** to understand climate change.
• The melting of the Arctic **ice sheet** poses a threat to global sea levels.
• Researchers drilled into the Antarctic **ice sheet** to extract ancient ice cores.
• Polar bears rely on the **ice sheet** for hunting seals.

Usage notes

Used in scientific contexts to describe large glaciers or ice masses. Not commonly used in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a giant 'sheet' of ice, like a blanket covering the ground.

Collocations

• melt the ice sheet
• thicken the ice sheet
• monitor the ice sheet
• collapse of the ice sheet

Synonyms

• glacier
• ice cap
• ice mass
• frozen expanse

Common mistakes

• Confused with 'ice cap' which is smaller than an ice sheet.
• Using inappropriately in non-scientific contexts.
• Mispronouncing as 'ice-shet'.