Ice shelves are large, floating platforms of ice that form where glaciers or ice sheets flow down to the ocean. They are primarily found in regions like Antarctica and Greenland. These structures are crucial as they help to stabilize the glaciers behind them, preventing them from sliding into the sea too quickly. Ice shelves can be several hundred meters thick and extend over vast areas. They are affected by climate change, as warmer ocean waters can melt them from below, leading to the potential collapse of the ice shelves. This process can contribute to rising sea levels, impacting coastal communities worldwide.