Glaciers shape landscapes through processes such as erosion, transportation, and deposition of sediments. They carve out valleys, create moraines, and shape coastlines through their movement and the ice melt that occurs.
In terms of global climate patterns, glaciers play a crucial role in regulating temperatures and sea levels. They reflect sunlight, helping to cool the Earth, and their melting contributes to rising sea levels. As glaciers retreat due to climate change, it can impact ocean currents, precipitation patterns, and overall climate stability.