How Do Icebergs Float

Icebergs float because ice is less dense than liquid water. When water freezes, its molecules arrange in a crystalline structure that takes up more space, making ice about 9% less dense than water. This difference in density allows icebergs to stay afloat, with only about 10% of their mass visible above the water and the rest hidden beneath the surface. Icebergs form when chunks of glaciers or ice shelves break off into the ocean, a process known as calving.

The Role of Icebergs in the Environment

Icebergs play an important role in ocean ecosystems by carrying freshwater and nutrients to marine life. As they slowly melt, they help regulate ocean temperatures and currents. However, climate change is causing glaciers to melt at an accelerated rate, leading to more icebergs and rising sea levels. Scientists monitor icebergs to study climate patterns and better understand the effects of global warming on polar regions and the planet as a whole. Shutdown123