Abstract:Cryospheric chemistry is a new discipline and one of important branch of cryospheric science. Pollutant emissions from anthropogenic activities have greatly altered the status of chemical components in the cryospheric environment since the Industrial Revolution. When this scenario is coupled with the rapid shrinkage of cryosphere under global warming, both anthropogenic activity and global warming have cooperatively influenced the biogeochemical cycling in the cryosphere and even on a global scale, which results in significant effects on climate and environment. In this paper, firstly, the role of cryospheric chemistry in the cryospheric science is introduced, and the discipline framework and research focuses of cryospheric chemistry are summarized. Secondly, the coupling relationship among cryospheric chemistry and climate/environmental changes, and anthropogenic activities, with emphasis on this relationship in the research field of global change, was exemplified. Lastly, we summarize a review and prospect of hot topics in the current research of cryospheric chemistry. The rapid development of cryospheric chemistry will provide important scientific and technological support for tackling the climate and environmental issues that challenge human survival and development.