how do icebergs form? course hero

What is the formation process of icebergs?

Formation Process. These glaciers and ice shelves bear multiple layers of ice and snow. When overburdened, parts tend to break away from edges and drift into the sea or ocean in the form of icebergs. Interestingly, the water sourced from these icebergs is considered as one of the purest forms of water.

What are icebergs?

Icebergs or "ice mountains" are large pieces of freshwater ice floating in the open water, derived from broken parts of continental ice shelves or glaciers.

Why are icebergs considered the purest form of water?

These glaciers and ice shelves bear multiple layers of ice and snow. When overburdened, parts tend to break away from edges and drift into the sea or ocean in the form of icebergs. Interestingly, the water sourced from these icebergs is considered as one of the purest forms of water.

How does the number of icebergs in the ocean increase?

The number of icebergs in the ocean and seas of the world increases with increasing temperature. However, the lifetime of an iceberg decreases with rising temperatures.

Why are icebergs important?

The icebergs in the ocean near continental shelves also serve as important hunting and resting grounds of species like polar bears. The melting of icebergs means that the bears now need to swim further distances into the ocean in search of hunting grounds, subjecting the animals to a significant amount of stress.

How do icebergs affect climate?

Icebergs and Climate Change. Global warming and resultant climate change have a significant role to play in the formation and melting of icebergs. The number of icebergs in the ocean and seas of the world increases with increasing temperature. However, the lifetime of an iceberg decreases with rising temperatures.

Why are icebergs dangerous?

Due to the “tip of the iceberg” theory , icebergs are a major source of worry and danger for maritime vessels. As a major part of the iceberg is not visible and is submerged in water, the vessel crew often misinterpret the real size of the mass of ice. These seafaring vessels face greater danger at night when icebergs are not clearly visible from a distance. The famous RMS Titanic shipwreck was also caused by an iceberg off the coast of Newfoundland in the North Atlantic Ocean. Various measures like the regular monitoring of icebergs through helicopters and broadcasting the warnings to make the captain of the ships aware, use of explosives, towing, and water cannons are taken by the authorities to safeguard the vessels. Radar and GPS technology also play an important part in detecting the icebergs. Drifting buoys equipped with sensors and satellite imagery also help to locate icebergs in advance.

How high are icebergs?

Interestingly, only the tip of the iceberg is visible above water while nearly 90% of it is under water. The height of icebergs range from 3.3 to 250 feet above sea level , and they weigh almost 200,000 metric tons. The core temperature of these icebergs can be as low as -20 degree Celsius. The largest iceberg located in the North Atlantic was about the height of a 55 story building.

Where did the B15 iceberg originate?

Some of the largest icebergs on record like B15 have originated from the Ross Ice Shelf. The largest one recorded till date was the Antarctic tabular iceberg with a surface area of about 12,000 square miles. Several agencies monitor such icebergs to prevent any loss of property or life. 3. Formation Process.

Does the life of an iceberg decrease with temperature?

However, the lifetime of an iceberg decreases with rising temperatures. As the melting water of the iceberg is colder and less saline than the surrounding sea water, the two types of water do not mix completely, resulting in a slightly elevated sea level.