Why do icebergs float even though they are made of frozen water?
Quick Answer
Ice expands when it freezes, making ice less dense than liquid seawater or freshwater. Because it is less dense, an iceberg floats with most of its mass hidden below the surface.
The Full Story
Water is unusual because it expands as it freezes, forming a crystal structure that takes up more space than the liquid. That makes ice less dense than liquid water, so it floats. In the ocean, this is why only about one-tenth of an iceberg is visible above the surface, though the exact fraction varies with shape and salinity. Icebergs break off from glaciers or ice shelves and drift with currents until they melt. This floating behavior also affects ocean circulation and habitat for polar marine life.
Key Facts
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