WHICH MELTS FASTER? An ice cube placed in freshwater, or one placed in saltwater?
WHAT YOU SHOULD HAVE SEEN HAPPEN FRESHWATER As the ice cube melts, the cold melt water from the ice cube sinks to the bottom of the cup forcing the water from the bottom of the cup (ambient or room temperature) to move toward the surface which transfers its heat to the ice cube, causing it to melt faster. As the ice starts to melt time By the end cool. Approx. 18°C colder. Approx. 14°C MIXED
WHAT YOU SHOULD HAVE SEEN HAPPEN SALTWATER Meanwhile in the saltwater, the cold freshwater from the ice cube floats on top of the saltwater. Thus the ice cube sits in a pool of cold water, blocking the heat from the saltwater (ambient temperature) from getting to the ice cube. As the ice starts to melt time By the end cold. Approx. 8°C warm. Approx. 18°C Warm saltwater Cold freshwater LAYERED
THERMOHALINE CIRCULATION Thermo = Temperature Haline = Salt