Ice and environment: A terminological discussion

This article discusses the terminological and disciplinary problems associated with the point of view that ice is a rock, resulting from a dynamic development of earth sciences which have begun the research into other planets as well. Such a position necessitates a revision of the definitions of the hydrosphere, atmosphere and lithosphere. It is the state that determines which particular sphere ice belongs to. Water is understood to be a triphase substance. As a result permafrost should now include the “cold” layer of polythermal glaciers. Rock glaciers are features that integrate glacial and periglacial permafrost. This facilitates the research into the interaction between the glacial and the periglacial environment by recognizing the leading role of the isotherm 0 °C as the physical feature integrating these fields.