Cryosphere glossary
lithometer
general term for dry atmospheric suspensoids, including dust, haze, smoke and sand.
little ice age
a period of cooling that started around the early 14th century, peaked in the 17th century, and ended in the mid-19th century, and was marked by expanding glaciers in Europe, North America, and Asia
long-term strength
the failure strength of a material after a long period of creep deformation.
longwave radiation
heat radiation with wavelengths greater than 4 millimeters.
low
area of low pressure in the atmosphere.
low-center polygon
an ice-wedge polygon in which thawing of ice-rich permafrost has left the central area in a relatively depressed position.
low-level clouds
clouds in the lower region of the atmosphere, from ground level to 6500 feet (2000 meters); includes stratus, stratocumulus, the bases of cumulus and cumulonimbus, and sometimes nimbostratus clouds.
luminous pillars
white or sometimes reddish vertical streaks of light extending from above and below the sun; they are caused by light reflected off the mirror-like surfaces of ice; most commonly seen at sunrise and sunset.