Therefore, it has been suggested that ships could tow icebergs to arid areas of the world, where the ice could be melted and the water used for drinking and irrigation. They should draw water routes to the areas they select. As a class, discuss the limitations of such a program. Before the development of radar, sonar, and the Global Positioning System, sailors on watch in the Arctic region would listen for distinctive sounds to help them determine whether icebergs were close or far away. Encourage students to discover what an iceberg sounds like as it melts.
Students can simulate the sounds by making a miniature iceberg out of soda water.
Students should pour the almost-frozen liquid into a small paper cup and freeze the cup and its contents. Tell students to listen closely to any sounds coming from the container. Then discuss the class findings. Have each student draw a series of three labeled sketches depicting how icebergs emit sounds as they melt. As a class, discuss how sailors might have used this information.