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The article presents a study on the concept of the river-ice hydrology in a shrinking cryosphere. It provides an update of the understanding of river-ice and climatic relationships, as well as a review of the more recent historical findings on trends and projections. It states that river ice is one of the few components of cryosphere whose global volume or area has never been fully quantified. It notes that the projections of the future climate indicate that the duration, composition, and the extent of ice coverage will gradually change and will cause wide-ranging consequences. An overview of the river-ice season which includes the processes of freezeup, winter ice growth, and river-ice breakup is also offered.

This article presents a study regarding the hydro-climatic effects on the ice cover of the lower Peace River. It discusses that a paucity of ice-jam flooding in the lower Peace River since the late 1960s has resulted in prolonged dry periods and considerable reduction in the area covered by lakes and ponds that offer habitat for aquatic life in the Peace-Athabasca Delta region. It mentions that antecedent conditions have a significant role in their frequency and severity though major ice jams occur at breakup.

A preface for the November 15, 2006 issue of the "Hydrological Processes" is presented.