Glaciation is the process of the formation, movement, and melting of glaciers, which are large bodies of ice that form on land and move slowly downhill under the influence of gravity. Glaciation is a key component of Earth's climate system and has played a significant role in shaping the Earth's landscape over millions of years. Researchers study glaciation to better understand past climate change, the dynamics of glaciers and ice sheets, and their impact on global sea levels. This research area encompasses various disciplines such as glaciology, geomorphology, paleoclimatology, and climate science.