How much would seas rise if the Antarctic Ice Sheet melted?
The Antarctic Ice Sheet holds nearly 90 percent of the world’s ice and 70 percent of its fresh water. If the entire ice sheet were to melt, sea level would rise by nearly 220 feet, or the height of a 20-story building. Scientists know there’s a melting trend underway. The United Nations has said that in a worst-case scenario — depending on how much global air temperatures increase — seas could jump 3 feet (1 meter) by 2100. 77. Is ice a mineral? Yes, ice is a mineral and is formally described as such in Dana’s System of Mineralogy. 77. What is the softest of all minerals? Talc is the softest of minerals. It is commonly used to make talcum powder. 78. What is the hardest of all minerals? The one that becomes emotionally useless after a divorce but still retains monetary value. 79. How are colors produced in fireworks? Mineral elements taken from Earth provide the colors. Strontium yields deep reds, copper produces blue, sodium yields yellow, and iron filings and charcoal pieces produc
