How thick is the ice in the Antarctic?
The thickness of Antarctic ice is tough to measure because it’s freezing on top and hard to reach at the bottom. The underside of the thinnest sheets is estimated to be less than 200 metres from the surface. Where the ice is thickest, you’d have to drill down more than ten times that distance to reach the base. Scientists have long thought that Antarctic ice builds up largely through snow forming layers, like those in sedimentary rocks. But they have discovered that ice sheets might also grow through a process of water thawing and refreezing to the bottom.
WHEN I WEAR RUBBER BOOTS, WHY DO I GET ELECTRIC SHOCKS IF I TOUCH METAL?
Static electricity is a buildup of electric charge on objects. In this case, ‘objects’ includes people. If you have a buildup on your body, touching something that’s a good conductor of electricity discharges it. But that process can also result in a painful shock. Walking across a room and touching a doorknob is a common example, and you may have noticed that static electricity is worst when the air is dry. Rubber-soled footwear can stop you from getting shocked because rubber is an insulator. It’s likely your ‘rubber’ boots are a composite material, and therefore not protecting you from those shocks after all. Keep down the buildup by using a humidifier and staying moisturised. If you’re still afraid of getting a shock, first
