What is an ice shelf?
Q: What is an ice shelf?
A: An ice shelf is a large platform of ice that forms where a glacier flows down to a coastline.
Q: How thick is an ice shelf?
A: An ice shelf is usually very thick, usually 100 metres (330 ft) or more.
Q: Do all ice shelves float on the water?
A: Yes, some ice shelves float on the water.
Q: Are ice shelves that float usually thicker or thinner?
A: Ice shelves that float are usually much thinner.
Q: Where are the biggest areas of ice shelf located?
A: The biggest areas of ice shelf are in Antarctica.
Q: Why are ice shelves so thick?
A: Ice shelves are thick because they are formed by the accumulation of snow and ice over time.
Q: What happens to an ice shelf when it melts?
A: When an ice shelf melts, it can cause the sea level to rise, which can lead to flooding and other problems for coastal communities.