Another potential effect of global warming

Just read an interesting article at NewScientist.com (available to subscribers only). It discussed the potential geological effects of global warming which could result from the changing distribution of mass on the Earth's surface as ice melts and flows into the ocean. I.e. less pressure where the ice was located, more pressure beneath the deepening seas.

The climate interacts with the Earth's crust via the changing mass of water and ice that is shifted around the planet. The pressure of water and ice on the crust is considerable: 1 cubic metre of water weighs 1 tonne, while the same volume of ice weighs slightly less, up to 0.9 tonnes. With this in mind, it shouldn't come as a surprise that the loading and unloading of the Earth's crust by ice or water can trigger seismic and volcanic activity and even landslides. Dumping the weight of a kilometre-thick ice sheet onto a continent or removing a deep column of water from the ocean floor will inevitably affect the stresses and strains on the underlying rock.

Apparently the geological record shows significant increases in earthquakes and volcanic eruptions during periods of significant climate change, namely the beginnings and endings of ice ages.

Who knew.

The June 2006 issue of Scientific American also had an interesting column on global warming titled "The Flipping Point." Michael Shermer, a self-described "environmental sceptic," relates the evidence that had him become a believer.

UPDATE ON AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH

Another who knew: An Inconvenient Truth doesn't open in the SF Bay Area until 6/2! So far it's only screening in New York and L.A. Lots of reviews and other updates on their blog.