Explore the evolution of ice sheets in a warming climate through this comprehensive AGU Fall Meeting 2008 Bowie Lecture presented by Eric Rignot from the University of California Irvine. Delve into glaciological studies covering topics such as ice flow, gravity surveys, glacier mass budgets, and satellite radar interferometry. Examine specific case studies including the Pine Island Glacier, Greenland's surface mass balance, and Antarctic mass balance. Analyze the latest research methods like laser altimetry, GRACE satellite measurements, and new predictive models. Gain insights into the potential impacts of climate change on ice sheets, including the Thomas Effect and ice shelf buttressing. Compare IPCC predictions with emerging elite models and understand the importance of observation networks in glaciology. Conclude with a synthesis of current knowledge and future research directions in ice sheet dynamics and their role in global climate systems.