The cryosphere refers to the frozen components of the Earth system, including glaciers, ice sheets, sea ice, snow cover, frozen ground, and permafrost. It plays a crucial role in the climate system by interacting with the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere, thereby influencing global energy balance, water resources, sea level, and climate regulation. From a hydrological perspective, the cryosphere acts as a major freshwater reservoir and a regulator of the global water cycle. One of the most important roles of the cryosphere is its influence on Earth’s energy balance through the albedo effect. Snow and ice surfaces have high reflectivity, meaning they reflect a significant portion of incoming solar radiation back into space. This helps maintain cooler global temperatures. When cryospheric components shrink due to warming, darker land or ocean surfaces are exposed, which absorb more solar energy. This leads to further warming, creating a positive feedback mechanism known as the ice–albedo feedback, which accelerates climate change. The cryosphere is also a key component of the global hydrological cycle. Glaciers and snowpacks store freshwater over long periods and release it seasonally through melting. This meltwater sustains river flows, groundwater recharge, and ecosystems,