70% Of Earth's Fresh Water Is Frozen

By: Ashley Hamer

Our freshwater is locked up in the Antarctic Ice Sheet.

August 01, 2019

About 71% of the Earth is covered in water. Most of that is in oceans, rivers, and lakes, but some is frozen in the Earth's two ice sheets. Those ice sheets, which cover most of Greenland and Antarctica, only contain 2% of the world's total water supply, but a whopping 70% of the Earth's fresh water. Scientists estimate that if the Antarctic Ice Sheet—the larger of the two—melted, sea level would rise by around 60 meters (200 feet). Not only that, but it could affect the weather: a study showed that less sea ice in the Arctic causes rainier summers in western Europe, and another study suggests that it's causing more extreme heat waves in the United States and elsewhere. And counterintuitively, melting ice also causes more melting ice. A 2016 study found that a shrinking in the Greenland Ice Sheet causes what are known as "blocking events," where high-pressure systems park themselves on top of one area for days or even weeks. This brings warm, moist air that heats the surface below and causes even more ice to melt. Explore the relationship between polar ice and climate change in the videos below.

This article first appeared on Curiosity.com.

Next Up

The “Lungs of Our Planet” are Under Threat

World Rainforest Day is June 22, bringing awareness and action to save these precious ecosystems. But if the current rate of deforestation continues, will there be any rainforests in 100 years?

Bei Bei Says Bye Bye - National Zoo’s Giant Panda Prepares for Move to China

After four years of delighting individuals and families in the United States, giant panda Bei Bei is ready to bid farewell and embark on the next stage of his life in China.

Big Sur Condors, A Conservation Comeback Story

Condors once ranged from Baja California all the way to British Columbia. But, in 1987, the last wild California condor was taken into captivity in order to preserve the species. Now, thanks to a breeding program in central California, the condors are finally returning to their natural habitat in Big Sur.

What You Need to Know About the Amazon Rainforest Fires and How You Can Help

The Amazon rainforest is burning at a record rate. Here is what you need to know.

Some Male Cuttlefish 'Cross-Dress' to Woo the Ladies

Learn about cuttlefish at Discovery.com

Bigger, Badder, Fatter: Fat Bear Week 2019 is Here

It's time for the bears to pack on the salmon and prepare for winter hibernation, but first they must compete in a battle of the fattest: Fat Bear Week.