Difference Between Sea Ice and Land Ice

Sea ice and land ice are two different forms of frozen water that exist on the planet. Although they are both ice, they have several distinct differences in terms of formation, location, structure, and impact on the environment. This essay will explore these differences and provide an understanding of the key characteristics of sea ice and land ice.

What is Sea Ice?

Sea ice, or frozen ocean water, may be observed in the far-flung polar waters, and it often covers an area of more than 9, 652, 553 square miles. It is produced by the evaporation of salty ocean waters, and is essential to the survival of all marine life, as well as the people and animals who live in the Arctic and Antarctic. While certain areas do have year-round sea ice, the typical sea ice pattern is for ice to build in the winter and melt in the summer.

Sea ice changes the climate, especially as a result of the progressive warming of the climate, which in turn melts the ice. Hence, more solar energy is absorbed by the Earth since less sunlight is reflected back into space. Because of this, temperatures increase even more.

Sea ice fluctuations have an impact on ocean currents, as well as the people and animals who call the Arctic Regions home.

What is Land Ice?

Land ice, or ice generated on land, is any type of ice that persists for more than a year and is formed from freshwater. Land ice includes things like polar ice, glaciers, ice sheets, permafrost, and ice fields, among other types of ice.

Over 10% of the Earth is covered with ice, and all continents save Australia have some, with the vast bulk being in Antarctica and Greenland. Mount Kilimanjaro and Antarctica are losing considerable amounts of land ice as a result of the present climate changes.

The melting ice raises sea levels and reduces glacier runoffs, both of which contribute to the long-term depletion of natural water supplies. Land ice melting also contributes to global warming because it absorbs sunlight.

Differences: Sea Ice and Land Ice

In this section, let's compare and contrast the different features of Sea Ice and Land Ice −

Formation of Sea Ice and Land Ice

Sea ice is formed from saltwater that has frozen and expanded. When the temperature of the water drops below its freezing point, ice crystals form and grow. Sea ice typically forms in shallow areas near the coast, but it can also form in the open ocean when the temperature drops below -1.8°C. This ice is usually thin and fragile and is referred to as "first-year" ice. Over time, it can thicken and form "multi-year" ice, which is much more durable.

Land ice, on the other hand, is formed when snow accumulates on land, compacts, and transforms into ice. This process can take thousands of years and can occur in the form of glaciers, ice caps, and ice sheets. Land ice forms on land and is made up of freshwater.

Location of Sea Ice and Land Ice

Sea ice is found floating in the ocean, while land ice is found on the continents and islands. Sea ice is found in polar regions, such as the Arctic and Antarctic, and covers approximately 7% of the world's ocean surface. Land ice is found in high altitude regions, such as the Arctic and Antarctic, and covers approximately 10% of the Earth's land surface.

Structure of Sea Ice and Land Ice

The structure of sea ice and land ice is different due to the way in which they form. Sea ice is formed from saltwater, which has a lower freezing point than freshwater. This means that sea ice is typically thinner and more porous than land ice. It also means that sea ice has a higher salt content and a lower density than land ice.

Land ice, on the other hand, is formed from freshwater that has accumulated over time. This ice is much thicker and denser than sea ice. It also has a lower salt content and is more compact. Land ice is also more solid and stable than sea ice, which can crack and break apart due to the movement of ocean currents and tides.

Impact on the Environment

Sea ice and land ice play a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate. Sea ice acts as a reflector of solar radiation, which helps to cool the Earth. When sea ice melts, it releases salt into the ocean, which can impact the ocean's salinity and circulation. In addition, sea ice helps to regulate the Earth's temperature by reducing the amount of heat that is absorbed by the ocean.

Land ice, on the other hand, helps to regulate sea level by storing large amounts of water. When land ice melts, it releases this water into the ocean, which can contribute to sea level rise. In addition, land ice helps to regulate the Earth's climate by releasing freshwater into rivers and streams, which can impact the water cycle and affect the availability of freshwater for human and ecological use.

The following table highlights the major differences between Sea Ice and Land Ice −

Characteristics	Sea Ice	Land Ice
Definition	Sea Ice refers to frozen ocean water which is seen in remote polar oceans.	Land ice refers to any form of ice formed on land and lasts for more than a year.
Basis of formation	Sea ice forms in oceans.	Land ice forms on land.
Freshwater/ salty water	Sea ice forms from salty ocean water.	Land ice forms from snow or freshwater.
Process of formation	Sea ice is formed slowly, a process that involves the saline water sinking from the surface which then cools and solidifies.	On the contrary, land ice is formed when freshwater, which has low density stays on the earth’s surface and forms a layer of ice.
Surface covered	While sea ice covers a large area.	Land ice covers a smaller surface.

Conclusion

In conclusion, sea ice and land ice are two different forms of frozen water that have distinct characteristics in terms of formation, location, structure, and impact on the environment.

Understanding the differences between these two forms of ice is crucial for predicting the impacts of climate change on the Earth's climate and ecosystems.