Why is there ice?

Question

In the 1970's, Bill Cosby posed the question "Why is there air?" and concluded that it was so one could blow up basket balls. A more timely question is "Why is there ice?"

The mean temperature of the Earth is somewhere between 5 and 19 degrees Celsius, depending on whose data is used. Since this entire range is well above the freezing temperature of water, then it is evident that without the spatial variation of temperature across the globe, Earth would not support the existence of water.

More importantly, if the spatial variation of temperature were reduced, i.e., there existed sufficient atmospheric mixing and/or changes in ocean currents then the polar ice would melt. This would not require any increase in mean temperature, no global warming, no greenhouse effect.

One consequence of this observation is that the melting of polar ice must be discounted as an indicator of global warming since other mechanisms exist that could be responsible.

Answer 1

It's not just temperature, but energy you have to consider. To change the temperature of water, you have a "specific heat" the amount of energy needed to warm 1 gram of it by 1 degree C. But when changing the ice to water, it takes 80 times more energy to convert the 1 gram of ice to water with no actual change in temperature.

So, the ice represents a HUGE potential of heat that can be absorbed without an actual temperature change.

I don't disagree with your discussion of the importance of the spatial variation as it applies to climate, and when you take a look at the big picture, the mass of water and the temperature variations and subsequent energy variations it contains DWARFS the energy required to melt the polar ice.

Good observation worth a star.

Answer 2

Simply put the temperature is at or below the freezing point and therefor water freezes into ice.

Oh come on now! The temperatures are beginning to rise and then the ice begins to melt.

Answer 3

The ice comes and goes away naturally. It has over and over. This due to a very complex system envolving planet orbit rotations and tilt angles, Ocean currents, etc. The problem is this time it seems to be happening faster. Many feel the higher rate of change is due to human pollution, and the fear is the temperature will go higher.

Answer 4

To completely mix the atmosphere of the Earth, we would all have to install radial aircraft aircraft engines in our cars and divert at least 19% of engine hp-hr output to drive small propellers. This is in addition to the cooling fan. Fat Albert attempted this very modification on his first car, however, due to his bulk, the car could only make left hand turns and on page 341 in Al Gore's book, he notes that a car of this type has to travel in a straight line for at least 79,490 yards for optimal atmospheric mixing. This is not practical. Also, each car would have to mix (on average) 267 kilograms per horsepower hour to offset the Polar atmosphere that is at least 4000 miles farther away from the sun than the Equitorial atmosphere. ts

Answer 5

So that I an have ice cold beer when i want it and so that I can have a tall glass of ice cold Luzianne tea too

Answer 6

Bill Cosby would tell you it's to keep the jello cold.

Answer 7

Ah ha! I see! So it was Colonel Mustard, with the candlestick, in the library?

Answer 8

so the freezer can cool of so the food dosent get old

Answer 9

To put in my margarita.

Answer 10

You're an idiot!