It’s almost a century too late for the Titanic, but some pioneering work by U.S scientists may finally bring some light to a hitherto baffling natural phenomenon – Why and how do giant icebergs break off?The conclusion of their research also bears on the effects that melting icebergs would have on sea levels, courtesy global warming. The journal ‘Science’ reported that the scientists have found that the stability of icebergs is directly related to their rate of formation over the seas.
Icebergs are orphaned broken off chunks of ice sheets. Ice sheets are formed over ocean waters by frozen rivers which freeze over with snowfall and ultimately flow into the oceans. Ice sheets extend into the seas and then gradually break up. For example, the Ross Ice Shelf in Antarctica extends 500 miles over the ocean before the edges break off and form icebergs. Some icebergs then again extend for just a few miles.
Now, the scientists have reached a theory which explains the variability seen in iceberg formations. The study concludes that the rate and size of iceberg formation (a process called calving)is directly depends on the speed at which the ice sheet is spreading over the sea waters. A swifter spread means cracks form throughout the shelf and make it break up. A slower spread means that deep cracks do not form as fast and the ice sticks together.
This also proved that the formation of icebergs did not hinge on factors such as ice thickness, width of the ice flow, distance from land or waves.
This understanding of nature’s basic mechanism will help scientists develop better simulation models on the effects of melting ice sheets on rising sea levels. Despite the sheer variability in nature and especially in this phenomenon, the explanation leads to a better forecasting probability. The regions of Antarctica and Greenland could be the main contributors to heightened sea levels thanks to the effects of global warming. The U.N. Climate Panel forecasts seas will rise by 18 to 59 cm (7-23 inches) in our own century because of warming stirred up by human use of fossil fuels.
Source: Reuters.com
Image: Flickr.com
Starting an environmental club can make you a more active person in the environmental scene. This is a great idea if you find yourself bored after work or if you are looking to spend more time with friends and family. It also looks good on your resume or if you need volunteer work to add to your college application letters. Below are some steps to help you start your own environmental club.
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