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If the Terrestrial Poles Were to Melt...Problem: Solution:
First,
let us estimate the total volume of the south polar ice. We begin by noting
that, on the Earth, 1 degree of latitude corresponds to a distance of
69.2 mi. Now, using a well marked map, Antarctica may be estimated as
having an angular radius of 18 degrees of latitude, or a radius in miles
of rA = 69.2 mi/deg x 18 deg = 1.25 x 103 mi. Its
estimated surface area is then VIce
= 4.91 x 106 mi3.
If this ice melts, the resulting volume of liquid water is 4/5 of this value or VWater
= 3.93 x 106 mi3.
Now,
let this volume of water be spread in a uniform, thin shell over a uniform
Earth (for the moment, we will ignore the continents). The total surface
area of the Earth is AE = 4 or, If we
now return the continents to their proper place, it is easy to see that
the value of ![]() Thus, we have estimated that if the polar ice were to melt, the Earth's oceans would rise by about 150 ft. Reference to a map showing land elevations allows us to determine that coastal areas and major river valleys (such as the Mississippi or the Amazon river valleys) would be flooded. The land distribution would appear somewhat differently than it does on the globe today. But the majority of land would still be above sea level.
Actually
the volume of the water shell is VWater = (4/3)
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2
The actual volume of Antarctic ice is 7 x 106 mi3.
Using this value rather than the value 4.91 x 106 mi3
previously calculated, we find |
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