Figure 8 shows an image of Figure 8 shows an image of \"chaos terrain\" that loo
ID: 408 • Letter: F
Question
Figure 8 shows an image of
Figure 8 shows an image of "chaos terrain" that looks as if it were created when the surface surrounding the ice blocks was slushy and the ice blocks, or "ice rafts" were free to float about. The thickness of these ice rafts probably does not exceed their width. (Why not? Think of a pencil floating in water. In which way would it orient itself?) The image covers an area of 30 by 42 km. Pick the smallest "ice raft" that still looks as if it was broken off from neighboring ice blocks. Determine the image scale, and estimate a width for this ice raft in kilometers. From this measurement, make a rough estimate of the thickness the ice crust (in km) at the time that the "chaos terrain" froze. The next issue is how long ago did the "chaos terrain" freeze. Could there be just a thin layer of ice over a liquid ocean today? What is the evidence in Figure 8 that the chaos terrain froze over relatively recently? (Millions rather than billions of years ago.)Explanation / Answer
To answer the first bit you have there. Why is it safe to assume the thickness of the ice does not exceed the width. When you put a can of soda (or a beer if you prefer) in the freezer, it will explode. This is because when things freeze they expand. They are therefore less dense and will float on the surrounding liquid if made of identical material.
A thin layer of ice on the ocean is a very unlikely scenario. Ocean currents are constant. The salt also increases this posibility. For ice to grow it often requires an exsisting solid to grow from. For example in bay areas. The currents are less severe, the ice starts at the shore then makes it's way out further. Brine is a very interesting scenario that freezes the sea floor. Might be worth exploring to look smart and add something new to class conversation.
Sorry I wasn't an over abundence of help! Good luck!
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