Quantum Oceanography - 9

Where da heat at?

In this series Dredd Blog has discussed the importance of considering the interaction of infrared photons in seawater with glacial ice at the grounding lines in Antarctica (Quantum Oceanography, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8).

Ice, including glacial ice at the grounding lines of glaciers in Antarctica, will absorb infrared photons at several wavelengths and energy levels (i.e. infrared photons from the seawater):

 "The interactions of electromagnetic radiation with ice ... are determined by the refractive index and absorption coefficient (the ‘optical constants’) of pure ice as functions of wavelength. Bulk ... absorptance ... [is] influenced [by] ... bubbles ... and brine inclusions ... The absorption spectrum of liquid water resembles that of ice ...The optical properties of ice ... are important for the energy budgets of ... infrared radiation, and therefore the climate, over large parts of the Earth’s surface." 

(Warren 2018, cf. Grundy 1988). This hints at the broad receptiveness which glacial ice has for seawater's infrared photons, whether they are emitted from the H₂O elements or from the 'salinity' (SA) elements (Cl⁻, Na⁺, SO²⁴⁻, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, and K⁺) in seawater.

Since Antarctica has about 200 feet of sealevel change stored there as ice, watching the photon flow from the seawater into the ice is an important research activity. 

Especially now, since this is a timely moment for watching global heating spread deep and wide, according to several whispers about an upcoming IPCC report:

"Against a backdrop of fires and floods, researchers are meeting virtually to finalise a key climate science study. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is preparing the most comprehensive assessment on the state of global heating since 2013. Over the next two weeks, the scientists will go through their findings line by line with representatives of 195 governments.

Experts say the report will be a "wake-up call" to governments.

It is expected that the short, 40-page Summary for Policymakers will play an important role in guiding global leaders who will come to Glasgow in November to deal with critical climate questions."

(Yahoo News). Sounds ominous.

The 'spontaneous' part of the Second Law of Thermodynamics is something to focus on: The first statement of the 2nd law of thermodynamics - heat flows spontaneously from a hot to a cold body (Physics, cf. here).

The glacial ice is melted spontaneously, so we can't wait 16 years (Zero Years).

The next post in this series is here, the previous post in this series is here.

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Grounding line news ... and ...

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