Could icebergs be towed to solve water shortages?
Melting mountains of ice is trickier than you might think, even in the desert.
Asked by: R Stather, Bromsgrove
First mooted almost 60 years ago, this ‘crazy’ idea may finally be tried in 2020. A company in Abu Dhabi has unveiled plans to tow two icebergs from Antarctica to the Emirates. Ironically, the biggest challenge lies in the reluctance of ice to melt. Turning a big berg into fresh water at a reasonable rate requires the power output of a large power station.
Subscribe to BBC Focus magazine for fascinating new Q&As every month and follow @sciencefocusQA on Twitter for your daily dose of fun science facts.
Authors
Robert is a science writer and visiting professor of science at Aston University. He likes maths, West End musicals and hamsters.
