Quck answer
A polar ice cap is a large area of ice that covers the Earth’s polar regions, including the North Pole and the South Pole. It is made up of frozen seawater, known as sea ice, and ice sheets that form on land, known as ice caps. These ice caps play a crucial role in regulating the Earth’s climate and maintaining global temperatures. They reflect sunlight back into space, helping to cool the planet. However, due to climate change, polar ice caps are melting at an alarming rate, leading to rising sea levels and threatening the survival of polar ecosystems and species.
Polar ice caps are curved sheets of ice located near the North and South Poles. They develop because the polar regions at high latitudes receive less solar heat compared to other areas on Earth. As a result, the temperatures at the poles can be extremely cold.
The polar ice caps hold the majority of Earth’s freshwater supply. In fact, scientists estimate that 70 percent of Earth’s freshwater is stored in an ice sheet at the South Pole.
Regrettably, the average temperatures at the poles have started to increase in recent years due to environmental changes. As temperatures rise, the polar ice caps begin to melt and fracture. NASA satellite images reveal that the polar ice caps are shrinking by 9 percent every 10 years.
The changing environment at the poles impacts the indigenous people, animals, and plants. Animals like seals, polar bears, and whales may have to alter their natural migration patterns. Coastal communities may have to evacuate their homes as sea levels rise.
The consequences of melting polar ice caps may eventually extend far beyond the poles. As the polar ice caps diminish, sea levels rise, posing significant problems for coastal regions worldwide.
Fortunately, we can contribute to slowing down and preventing the environmental changes that cause the melting of polar ice caps. Scientists attribute the use of fossil fuels, such as oil, coal, and gasoline, to the emission of gases that trap heat in the atmosphere and lead to higher average temperatures. Scientists refer to this phenomenon as “global warming.”
What can you do to combat global warming? Conserve energy! Some communities have already started utilizing renewable resources like solar energy and wind power. However, you can make a difference by simply turning off lights when you leave a room!
Try It Out
Are you ready to have a cool time with a friend or family member? Don’t forget to try out the following activities:
- Rain barrels help conserve rainwater that would otherwise go to waste. The collected rainwater can be used for watering your lawn or washing your car — and the best part is that it’s a free gift from nature! Creating a rain barrel is a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy. With just a few supplies and a little effort, you’ll be ready to save water, money, and the planet in no time!
- If you’re interested in exploring other simple ways to make a positive impact on the environment, check out these 151 Ways To Save Energy. Which ideas catch your attention? Do you know anyone who has tried any of these ideas? Have fun discovering ways you can help Mother Earth!
- How are the polar ice caps doing lately? Use the Internet to find out! Visit Arctic Sea Ice online for satellite images and news stories with the latest updates on Arctic Sea Ice conditions.
Wonder Sources
- https://www.wunderground.com/climate/SeaIce.asp
- http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/earth/geophysics/question473.htm
FAQ
1. What is a polar ice cap?
A polar ice cap refers to a large area of ice that covers the Earth’s polar regions, including the North Pole and the South Pole. It is characterized by its extreme cold temperatures and the presence of a thick layer of ice and snow. These ice caps are permanent, meaning they remain frozen year-round, and they play a crucial role in regulating the Earth’s climate.
2. How are polar ice caps formed?
Polar ice caps are formed through a process known as glaciation. It begins with the accumulation of snowfall over many years, which then compacts and transforms into ice. As the ice thickens, it starts to flow outward due to its own weight and the force of gravity. Over time, these ice sheets extend over vast areas, forming the polar ice caps we see today.
3. Why are polar ice caps important?
Polar ice caps are important for several reasons. Firstly, they help regulate the Earth’s climate by reflecting sunlight back into space, which helps to cool the planet. Secondly, they act as freshwater reservoirs, storing a significant amount of the Earth’s freshwater in the form of ice. Additionally, these ice caps provide habitat for a wide range of Arctic and Antarctic wildlife, including polar bears, penguins, and seals.
4. Are polar ice caps melting?
Yes, polar ice caps are melting at an alarming rate due to global warming. The rise in greenhouse gas emissions has led to an increase in the Earth’s average temperature, causing the polar ice caps to melt. This has significant implications for global sea levels, as the melting ice contributes to rising ocean levels. It also disrupts the delicate balance of ecosystems in the polar regions, endangering the survival of many species adapted to these icy environments.
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