As Arctic land ice melts, it sheds water into the ocean, causing sea levels to rise. This can increase erosion along unprotected coastal zones, and also flood coastal cities. The latest predictions by scientists estimate that waters will rise about three feet (1 meter) in the next 90 years.
In this student page, you will explore how scientists measure the impact of rising sea levels. Materials
large potato (1/2 per pair)
clear plastic tub with flat bottom and clear plastic lid (one per pair) water-soluble marker (one per pair) centimeter ruler (one per pair) kitchen knife water
blue food coloring white paper scissors clear tape
Procedure
1. Use the blue food coloring to color about one gallon of water per group. Make the water as deep blue as possible.
2. Cut the potato in half lengthwise; split it between two groups.
3. Place the lid on the container and draw a line along the edge of the lid and the side of the container so that they can be matched up later.
4. Use the ruler and marker to draw a scale in one-centimeter increments along the side of the container.
5. Remove the lid and place the potato, cut side down, in the clear plastic container.
6. Add colored water carefully until the water level reaches the two-centimeter mark. Do not pour water directly on the potato.
7. Replace the lid and orient it so that the lines drawn in step 1 are aligned.