A glacial mass is a large and extensive body of ice that accumulates over time in cold regions. Synonyms for this term include glacier, ice sheet, ice cap, ice field, ice shelf, and ice palace. A glacier refers to a long and narrow stream of ice that flows down a mountainous region, whereas an ice sheet refers to a vast and flat area of ice covering a large area. An ice cap is a smaller version of an ice sheet and can be found on mountaintops and high plateaus. An ice field is a collection of interconnected glaciers, while an ice shelf is a platform of ice extending into the sea. An ice palace is a creative term used to refer to a particularly impressive or awe-inspiring glacier.