SCI1300 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Cryosphere, Ice Sheet, Thermodynamic Equilibrium
8 Sep 2018
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Cryosphere o(cid:374) la(cid:374)d stores (cid:1011)5% of the (cid:449)orld"s fresh(cid:449)ater. I(cid:272)e (cid:272)o(cid:448)ers (cid:1005)(cid:1004)% of the la(cid:374)d"s surfa(cid:272)e per(cid:373)a(cid:374)e(cid:374)tly (mostly antarctica and greenland) Ice covers on average 7% of the oceans. In mid-winter, 49% of the land surface is covered in snow in the northern. Occurs at around -(cid:1005). (cid:1012) c due to sali(cid:374)ity. Forms an insulating layer at the top of the ocean. Reje(cid:272)ts salt (cid:373)ole(cid:272)ules, lo(cid:272)ally i(cid:374)(cid:272)reasi(cid:374)g the o(cid:272)ea(cid:374)"s sali(cid:374)ity a(cid:374)d de(cid:374)sity, there(cid:271)y initiating deep ocean currents. Strongly affected by ocean surface currents, as it floats. Thickens if it grows faster than it melts. Produces heat energy, causing a negative feedback system, preventing it from growing too thick. Once the ice is too thick, the heat cannot escape the ice to access the atmosphere, so it melts. This point is called its thermodynamic equilibrium, which occurs between 1 and 3 metres. Takes several years to reach equilibrium thickness.
