Cryosphere Flashcards
define the cryosphere
the layer of frozen water on earth
how does pack ice/ice floes form?
when the surface of water freezes due to cold temperature and breaks off in sheet.
name the slightly salty ice floating on the ocean near the poles
pack ice
how do glaciers form
compressing snow on land
what is difference between glaciers and icebergs
icebergs are just broken pieces of glaciers
what are the impacts of melting ice?
-thermohaline currents are disturbed by melting pack ice, icebergs, and glaciers
-there is a rise in sea level due to the accelerated thawing of glaciers
-less ice = speeding up the progression of climate change
-loss of habitat when pack ice melts for animals that move around to hunt
describe the albedo affect
1) Ice melts
2) Exposed land/sea absorbs more heat
3) Adds to global warming
what are the effects of melting pack ice?
-Much less salt & density so the water doesn’t sink as much
-Changes thermohaline circulation, thus worsening climate change
-less surface are to reflect the sun and more heat is being absorbed by the ocean water
-loss of habitat for polar bears and seals
what are the consequences of melting glaciers
reduction of reflectivity and an rise in sea levels
how is thermohaline altered by global warming?
melting glaciers by diluting the amount of salt in the ocean and a change in the water’s temperature. Melting pack ice = brackish water diluting the ocean
How does altered thermohaline generate climate change
if circulation either slows down or heats up, it can change the regulation of temperature around the world
what causes tides?
the gravitational pull of the sun and moon on the waters on the earth?
