The alpine type of glacier is also known as a mountain glacier, valley glacier, or alpine glacier. These synonyms describe a glacier that forms in high-altitude areas, such as mountains and valleys, where the climate is cold enough for snow and ice to accumulate. The term mountain glacier emphasizes that these glaciers are found in mountainous terrain, while valley glacier describes their location in valleys. The term alpine glacier is more general and often used interchangeably with the others. Regardless of the name used, these glaciers are an important indicator of climate change and play a critical role in shaping the landscapes they occupy.