Thaw, or melt, refers to the process where a solid substance transitions into a liquid state due to an increase in temperature. This occurs when the heat energy supplied to the solid overcomes the forces holding its particles together, allowing them to move freely. Common examples include ice turning into water when exposed to warmth. In nature, thawing is significant for ecosystems, especially in regions like the Arctic and Antarctic. The melting of ice and snow can affect local wildlife and contribute to rising sea levels. Understanding thawing is essential for studying climate change and its impacts on the environment and human activities.