So presumably, parts of the ice cap will break off and float elsewhere. These bits of ice will cool seas in other parts of the globe.
The climate changing in one part of the world can have an opposite effect on the climate in other patrs.
The climate won't just redistribute itself and "have an opposite effect."
Maybe I can offer a little perspective here, Andist.
The difference between heat and temperature is a common source of misunderstanding in all this climate change stuff.
The idea that "ice will cool seas in other parts of the globe," is a good example of this sort of misunderstanding.
Remember, the
total heat balance for the planet needs to be kept in mind as you look at the "temperature" of various parts.
Try to look at it this way.
If the ice is cooling other parts of the globe, as you say, then that ice is not cooling the Antarctic anymore. Warm water (or air) has moved in to replace the lost ice--helping to melt more of the recently exposed ice, right?
Or, try this perspective...
...on the ice that floated elsewhere and "will cool" the seas....
I think it's more like the ice will keep the seas from warming as fast as they are without any extra ice from Antarctica.
But icebergs aren't going to make up for the extra heat being trapped globally.
That extra heat will continue to warm the air ...and melt the ice--wherever that ice might be.
