Greenland is covered in ice because it lies at high latitudes, where the air is cold for much of the year. This cold air prevents the snow that falls on the island from melting, allowing it to accumulate and form ice. The elevation of Greenland also contributes to its ice cover. The island's interior consists of a high ice sheet, which reaches elevations of over 10,000 feet. At this altitude, the air is even colder and the snow is less likely to melt, further contributing to the growth of the ice sheet.