Session 2 - Politics of the Transition to Renewable Energy | The New School

[pattycarabelli]

Thank you for the response Aerobique; big problem...

[pattycarabelli]

Now, I have a question maybe you may answer... Why if the volume of ice is bigger than the volume of liquid water - because of the distance between the different molecules - is the water level going to rise when the ice melts, shouldn´t the volume be less? I understand it is a disaster for ecosystems, and maybe the volume raises because the ice from the mountain is there... speaking doubt aloud....

[aerobique]

@pattycarabelli

"Why if the volume of ice is bigger than the volume of liquid water - because of the distance between the different molecules - is the water level going to rise when the ice melts"

Good question. Its happens when the ice floats from land masses into the ocean. More water in the tub, higher levels.

But... mainly is the actual rise of the sea levels caused by "thermal expansion" while ocean temps rise. Globally, in general, not only the molten ice.

[aerobique]

@pattycarabelli

one big concern about sea ice thing is basically that masses of ice (white) play an important earth-climatic role by reflecting a lot of sun radiation back. (besides its simple cooling aspects) So if the ice goes, the darker areas, especially water (dark, +translucent) absorbs all the radiation instead of reflecting it. And the global heat trap accelerates.

[pattycarabelli]

Hopefully renewable energy might allow a greener future... We all need to be aware of these topics and information has to be socialized as it is very hard for us, regular citizens, to know what to believe in, what to do, what to expect, how to take care of our surroundings.... Thank you for sharing and caring.