What if the polar ice caps melted?
The bowl of water in the experiment represents the ocean and the mass of ice the polar ice caps. We must imagine that the water that was pouring off the rim of the bowl is the excess water that our oceans cannot hold. The displacement of water must go somewhere and the low-lying land around the Earth’s oceans is where it will end up. Flooding will occur in many of these places and with flooding comes environmental and economic problems.
Further questions about the science inquiry experiment.
When I reflect on this science inquiry experience it made me realize the effect that melting ice in an area of the world could have on many areas around the Earth. I still wonder about the rate at which the polar ice caps are melting and how quickly the effects will be noticed around the world. Also, since the polar ice caps are fresh water, what does the introduction of fresh water do to the salinity of the oceans? How does this affect the ecosystems that are present in the ocean and also the ocean currents that affect our climate?
Amanda,
ReplyDeleteI found that the water didn't overflow my bowl when I did the experiment and was wondering if you took into account the condensation build up on the outside of the bowl?
So your bowl overflowed with water????
ReplyDeleteYou bring up a valid point about the effect of the salt water being diluted with the fresh water of the melted ice caps. I hadn't thought of that! I, too, am now curious!
My bowl did not overflow by any means. Instead, VERY little dripped over the edge. Not as impressive as I thought it would be, but I think it still expressed a point. I think my students would not be very impressed by this experiment and would need more validation. Did anyone try a glass instead? I wonder if the smaller amount of water surface area on top would affect the outcome.
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