-
Question
Are we being terraformed ourselves what with the melting of the ice fields and such??
The term terraforming is used in reference to the act of transforming the landscape of another planet into one having characteristics similar to landscapes on Earth. Your question refers to the melting ice caps on Earth and the chance that this could be a form of terraforming on Earth. The broadest sense of the definition for the term terraform can be applied to changes of the landscape on Earth due to environmental factors. The consequences of the melting of the icecaps here on Earth include a rise of the ocean levels, which of course would lead to a change of landscape. So, in this case, it would appear that the term terraform could be applied. But using the strict definition of the term would give an answer of “No” to your question, since the act of terraforming is something that is to be initiated on a planet other than Earth in order to create an environment similar to Earth. Madalyn Edwards, NASA Astrobiology Institute
September 13, 2002
![FAQ](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20080917223702im_/http://astrobiology.nasa.gov/img/text/hd_faq.gif)
- How frequently are questions answered?
- I asked a question but there was no answer?
- Who is the Astrobiologist answering these questions?
- Will I get an email when my question is answered?
- What college courses should I take to become an astrobiologist?
- How can I get a job as an astrobiologist at NASA?
- Have aliens visited Earth? Are UFOs real?
- Is there a planet or brown dwarf called Nibiru or Eris that is approaching the Earth and threatening our planet with widespread destruction?
- Is it true that the Sun will be in the center of the Milky Way Galaxy in December 2012 and that this will cause a pole shift and massive destruction.
- Has NASA discovered life on other worlds?
- Astrobiology Career Path Suggestions