Description
what is unique about the physical property of ice, which is different from other substances when they freeze? How has this physical property benefited life on our planet? How would our Earth be different if water did not produce this property when it freezes?
Explanation & Answer
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The density of liquid water at the freezing point is 62.418 lb/ft3 (0.99984 g/cm3) but decreases to 57.23 lb/ft3 (0.9168 g/cm3) when that water organizes itself into crystalline ice at 32°F (0°C). This density difference is due the large open spaces within the crystal lattice of ice. The increased volume of the solid lattice causes pure water to expand by approximately 9% upon freezing, resulting in ruptured pipes or damaged engines when the process occurs in a closed vessel. Ice is one of a very few solid substances that is lower in density than the corresponding liquid state. Surface ice floating on a lake or pond helps to insulate the water below, reduces mixing, and can prevent the water body from freezing solid. This fact has often been cited as an important factor in
Water is somehow "stored" in the poles. By regulating polar heat, sea ice also affects weather worldwide. That's because the oceans and air act as heat engines, moving heat to the poles in a constant quest for balance.
Finally,It's well-established that global warming boosts severe weather in general, but according to the NSIDC, sea-ice loss also favors bigger storms in the Arctic itself. Unbroken swaths of sea ice normally limit how much moisture moves from the ocean to the atmosphere, making it harder for strong storms to develop. As sea ice dwindles, storm formation is easier and ocean waves can grow larger.
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