EPISODE · Aug 1, 2017 · 12 MIN
011 Blue Ice
from Curiously Polar · host Chris Marquardt
The Arctic and the Antarctic are privileged locations for observers interested in understanding how our world is shaped by the forces of nature and the workings of history. These areas have inspired countless humans to undertake epic expeditions of discov
What this episode covers
Glacier fronts and icebergs sometimes appear blue or present veins of beautiful blue ice. The blue color is determined by the large ice crystals and the absence of air bubbles. When snow falls on the ground it accumulates in layers containing a lot of air. As the snow compresses and ages the air is squeezed into smaller bubbles and ultimately the air can be squeezed out of the ice. This is what produces the blue color in glacial ice at any latitude. Blue ice photo by Chris Marquardt
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011 Blue Ice
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