Editing Ice cap (section)

== Formation ==
Ice caps are formed when snow is deposited during the cold season and fails to completely melt during the hot season.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last1=Zemp |first1=Michael |last2=Haeberli |first2=W. |date=2007 |title=Glaciers and ice caps. Part I: Global overview and outlook. Part II: Glacier changes around the world |url=https://www.zora.uzh.ch/id/eprint/40427/1/Zemp_Glaciers_and_ice_caps_Part_I_Global_overview_and_outlook_Part_II_Glacier_changes_around_the_world_2007.pdf}}</ref> Over time, the snow builds up and becomes dense, well-bonded snow known as perennial [[firn]].<ref name=":0" /> Finally, the air passages between snow particles close off and transforms into ice.<ref name=":0" />

The shape of an ice cap is determined by the landscape it lies on, as melting patterns can vary with terrain.<ref name=":0" /> For example, the lower portions of an ice cap are forced to flow outwards under the weight of the entire ice cap and will follow the downward slopes of the land.<ref name=":0" />