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Ice floats, and life depends on it

  • Due to the density anomaly ice cubes float on the water surface
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    Ice floats
    Ice floats because solid water is less dense than liquid water ❄️.
  • Density anomaly of water in the temperature range between 4 °C and 0 °C (negative thermal expansion)
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    Ice floats
    Below 4°C, hydrogen bonds build an open crystal lattice, so ice expands 🧊.
  • Common misconceptions about ice and water
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    Ice floats
    On lakes, floating ice becomes an insulating lid, helping water below stay livable for fish 🌊🐟.
  • Color-coded maps of Arctic sea ice age
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    Ice floats
    That density quirk keeps ecosystems livable and sea ice reflecting sunlight, insulating the ocean, and shaping currents 🌍❄️.

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