To make a ‘Snowball Earth,’ sci-fi moves fast. Geology is far slower

Here are some ways the world might end in ice, according to science fiction. Earth freezes. Humankind’s remnants huddle in ice caves, fending off giant alien monsters (Snowball Earth). Or people shelter in the New York Public Library as ice encases the Empire State Building (The Day After Tomorrow). Or a train hurtles in an endless loop, both protection and prison for Earth’s scant survivors (Snowpiercer).

These stories are all set in Earth’s near future, within a decade from now. And what makes the visions so chilling is that there’s a snowflake of truth in them. Well, space monsters haven’t invaded Earth — yet. And a lot of ink

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