Effects of anomalous expansion of water
a. Biological importance
During cold weather, the temperature of lakes and ponds drops and water contracts, becomes denser and sinks.
A circulation of water is thus set up until all the water attain maximum density i.e. at 4oC. If further cooling occurs (below 4oC), then any water below 4oC will stay at the top due to its lower density. At 0oC, ice forms on top and this acts as an insulator to the layers below. Hence the warmth underneath can sustain aquatic life and thus the aquatic animals and plants can survive there.
b. Icebergs
Ice has a slightly lower density, about 0.92 g/cm3, than that of water and hence it floats with a small portion above the water surface. The rest and a bigger portion of the ice rests under water. This is called an iceberg.
Icebergs pose a great danger to ships as the submerged parts cannot be seen easily by navigators.
c. Weathering of rocks
Water sometimes finds its way into cracks within the rocks. When such water freezes during cold weather, it expands forcing the rock to break into smaller pieces. This is very important for agriculture as soil is formed.
d. Bursting of water pipes
At times the water flowing through a pipe may freeze when it passes through a cold region. The water thus contracts, expanding and this may lead to pipe bursts if expansion allowances were not catered for.
chrispohmomanyi answered the question on October 4, 2017 at 06:18
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