Courant Researchers Model Capsizing Icebergs
Researchers at NYU's Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences have found that icebergs capsize due to the unstable shapes they melt into, further defining the fluid dynamics behind the impact of global warming on major bodies of water.
In a recently published article, the Courant researchers described their modeling of the hydrodynamics behind icebergs capsizing. The team discovered that when ice floats in water, the submerged portion melts faster than the top half due to water pressure and buoyancy, causing it to form unusual shapes and capsize.
"All we do is put a piece of ice in the tank and by itself, and it starts capsizing,"
said Alison Kim, a contributing researcher and fourth-year Ph.D. The team prepared ice blocks as cylinders and placed them in room temperature water, observing the capsizing process.
The researchers noted that this phenomenon can have catastrophic consequences, as large icebergs can cause tsunamis and break up other icebergs.
Author's summary: Researchers model icebergs capsizing due to melting instability.