Rising Waters: Out-of-Balance Ice Sheets

The video explains the significance of Greenland and Antarctica in global sea level rise due to their vast glacial ice. It highlights the potential catastrophic impact of ice melting, even partially, on coastal communities. The video describes the melting process in Greenland, where warm air and ocean water contribute to glacier melting and calving. It also discusses the unique challenges in Antarctica, particularly in West Antarctica, where the bedrock is below sea level, making it more susceptible to melting from warm ocean water. The video emphasizes the importance of understanding these processes to predict future sea level changes.

What are the two regions that contain most of the world's glacial ice?

What would happen to sea levels if all the ice in Greenland and Antarctica were to melt at once?

How does the melting of glaciers and ice sheets affect coastal communities?

Describe the process that occurs when warm summer air melts the surface of a glacier in Greenland.

What challenges does Antarctica face regarding ice melting, particularly in West Antarctica?