What if all the ice on Greenland and Antarctica melted?

Answer 1

This is only a hypothetical, since it is generally agreed by even the most pessimistic scientists that this ice cap will not melt in our lifetimes. If it did happen, then sea levels would rise by several meters and we would have to abandon many of our coastal cities and productive coastal farmland. A more realistic possibility is that the Greenland ice caps would melt, raising sea levels by a lesser amount.

Answer 2

The hole in the ozone layer has nothing to do with glaciers melting. Ozone shields the surface from UV radiation.

If the glaciers begin a sustained, year-to-year reduction in ice mass, this will cause sea levels to increase. The degree to which sea levels increase depends on the degree of net ice loss. The ice is MILES thick in most parts of Antarctica. If ALL of it melts, it will raise sea levels by HUNDREDS of feet, inundating coastal areas up to a hundred miles or more inland from the current Coastlines in some areas.

Answer 3

If it all melted, then sea levels all around the world would immediately rise 60 metres (200 feet).

In addition, the continent of Antarctica would physically rise up, as the huge weight of ice which is pressing it down disappeared.

Answer 4

If all the ice on Greenland and Antarctica melted, it would likely result in a significant rise in global sea levels, leading to coastal flooding, displacement of populations, and loss of habitat for many species. The impact would be catastrophic for coastal communities worldwide.

Answer 5

If the great ice sheets on Greenland and Antarctica melted, there would be enough water to raise the world's sea levels by 70 meters (230 feet), according to the New Scientist.