Meteorology · Ice — Sea Ice vs Glacial Ice
Sea ice differs from icebergs in that sea ice:
- AForms by the freezing of seawater, whereas icebergs are broken-off pieces of land glaciers (freshwater)✓ Correct
- BIs always larger than icebergs
- CIs fresh water and icebergs are salt
- DCannot form in the open ocean
Explanation
Sea ice forms when the sea surface freezes (it is relatively low in salt as brine drains out). Icebergs and growlers calve from glaciers and ice shelves and are freshwater ice. Both are charted/reported, but their origin, appearance, and behavior differ.
Authority: Bowditch (Pub. No. 9); WMO ice nomenclature
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