in the Artic or Antarctica, is the air colder than the water or vice versa?
2006-10-22 02:57:01 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Weather
just wondering
2006-10-22 02:57:30 · update #1
This is actually a very good question. Let's look at the physics....
If it's water, we know its termperature is above about 32 deg F or 0 deg C (for salt water, the temperature can be a bit lower and still be water). We know the water is above this temperature because it is not ice.
On the other hand, the air temperature for the Arctic and Antarctic can run from about -10 deg C in the summer to about -60 deg C in the winter. [See source.]
The worst possible combination is water, wind, and low air temperatures. Wind blowing over wet skin can lower effective termperature by carrying away heat as the water evaporates. As a result, hypothermia (e.g., freezing) can occur above 0 deg C. [See source.]
2006-10-22 05:55:25 · answer #1 · answered by oldprof 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you mean LIQUID water, the air is almost always colder. That is, the temperature of the air is nearly always lower than the freezing point of water.
If you include the SOLID water (ice and snow), then the air is still usually colder than the water (colder than the ice). But it is not uncommon for the air to be warmer than the ice, and it actually warms the ice up a bit ... but not enough to melt it.
2006-10-22 10:43:25 · answer #2 · answered by actuator 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
air is colder... water is not as cold, or it would be ICE.... I think what you are asking about is more to do with wind chill and the water content of your skin? and how being in the water will cause hypothermia? either way without adequate protection you will die.
2006-10-22 10:01:20 · answer #3 · answered by curious dad 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
water, in liquid form can not exist in temperatures below zero Celsius, except as solid ice, but air can, so air could become colder than water
2006-10-22 10:13:47 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No because the water always be colder. just say you sat outside in the Antarctic or the artica you wouldn't freeze as fast as you would if you jumped in the water .
2006-10-22 10:03:37 · answer #5 · answered by ZAY 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Depends on the time of day and other conditions. Arctic weather is just like your weather except a little more extreme.
2006-10-22 10:03:58 · answer #6 · answered by Chuck C 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's vice versa.
2006-10-22 10:04:20 · answer #7 · answered by Jegis H. Corbet 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You may find it warmer in the sea.
2006-10-22 10:07:37 · answer #8 · answered by RBJ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋