What generally happens to ice coverage when the Earth cools?

When the Earth cools, ice coverage generally increases. This phenomenon occurs due to the reduction in temperatures, which allows more precipitation to fall as snow rather than rain. As temperatures drop, the existing ice and snow do not melt as quickly, and new layers of ice accumulate over time.

These conditions often lead to the expansion of glaciers and polar ice caps, contributing to a greater overall area of ice coverage on the planet. The process can be observed in geological records during periods known as ice ages, where significant cooling events have led to increased ice formation, resulting in substantial changes to global sea levels and ecosystems.