Preface to the Annals of Glaciology collection ‘Verification and Validation of Cryospheric Models’

Cryospheric modelling is a critical tool for assessing the past, present and future behaviour of the world’s cold regions and determining their response to climate change. It enables us to address globally important research questions, such as how sea levels will change during the 21st century and how the water supplies for almost a billion people will evolve, as climate warms. Cryospheric modelling addresses these critical questions at a wide range of spatial and temporal scales, from the short-term evolution of a snowpack, through to millions of years of ice sheet waxing and waning. It enhances understanding across wide-ranging environments, including the high mountains, the ice sheets and the oceans and contributes vital knowledge at the boundaries of other fields, including climate science, oceanography and geohazards. In combination with observational data, cryospheric modelling also aids in the development of critical understanding of key processes shaping our world today. Thus, the development, validation and application of cryospheric modelling is a critical pillar of present-day cryospheric research