 Tropical glaciers are the most uncommon of all glaciers for a variety of reasons . Firstly , the regions are the warmest part of the planet . Secondly , the seasonal change is minimal with temperatures warm year round , resulting in a lack of a colder winter season in which snow and ice can accumulate . Thirdly , few taller mountains exist in these regions upon which enough cold air exists for the establishment of glaciers . Overall , tropical glaciers are smaller than those found elsewhere and are the most likely glaciers to show rapid response to changing climate patterns . A small temperature increase of only a few degrees can have almost immediate and adverse effect on tropical glaciers . 
