Iceberg Physics (and Extra Credit)

by Sam Harrelson on February 27, 2010

Iceberg breaks in Antarctica not where expected: “With the dramatic crash of an iceberg against a glacier that dislodged a massive new chunk of ice, the mysterious continent of Antarctica once again did the unexpected.”

A big chunk of extra credit if you can figure out what happened and why it might matter (both for our studies of waves as well as the future of our planet’s climate). You’ll have to reflect back on our studies of elements, forces, pressure and waves.

And no… there is no “right” or “wrong” answer and you certainly can’t contain your hypothesis in one sentence, word or even paragraph :)

{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }

Craig February 28, 2010 at 1:05 am

this could of happend due to dufferent temitures and dencitys of the iec sheet.

Ben Mironer February 28, 2010 at 8:55 am

I gtg play tennis, but of the top of my head i would say, that the 8.8 earthquake in chile that sent a Tsunami South could easily have an effect.

Mr. H February 28, 2010 at 10:54 am

@Craig: You’re on the right path!

@Ben: Nope, the earthquake in Chile had nothing to do with this.

Craig February 28, 2010 at 12:58 pm

ok
thus causing the ice sheet to break in thw unuseral manner

Alex Wise February 28, 2010 at 1:04 pm

THe Ice berg that was floating in the water was pushed by waves and the current crashing into the larger iceberg tongue. THe ice berg then began pushing at the other breaking bonds between the mainland and itself. the ice bonds melted for it was not thick enough and the iceberg is drifting out to sea……. i think

Alex Wise February 28, 2010 at 1:08 pm

plus the stupid geologists weren’t paying attention

Alex Wise February 28, 2010 at 1:15 pm

I say that with love

Ben Mironer February 28, 2010 at 2:17 pm

I was just kidding Mr. Harrelson.

Rebecca Mattison February 28, 2010 at 6:55 pm

i would try but im busy :/

Craig February 28, 2010 at 9:32 pm

obvouly your not b/c ur able to post stuff on the coment thing

Alex Wise March 1, 2010 at 8:31 am

haha good one craig!

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