Yes, floating ice would generally melt faster than land-based glaciers if they were in contact with warmer water or air temperatures for long periods of time. There are a few key reasons for this:
Thermal Conductivity: Ice is a good insulator and has a low thermal conductivity. When ice is floating in water or exposed to air, its insulating properties prevent the heat from transferring efficiently to the ice. As a result, the rate of heat transfer and melting is relatively slower compared to land-based glaciers, which are in direct contact with the warmer surroundings.
Feedback Effects: When ice starts to melt, the water resulting from the melting process forms a layer around the remaining ice. This layer of water acts as an insulator, further reducing the rate of heat transfer. This insulation effect is particularly significant for floating ice because the water in contact with the ice remains close to the freezing point, slowing down the melting process.
Buoyancy: Floating ice, such as icebergs or sea ice, is buoyant in water. As the ice melts, its mass decreases, causing the ice to rise higher in the water, reducing the amount of ice in contact with the warmer water. This reduces the melting surface area and slows down the overall melting process.
In contrast, land-based glaciers are in direct contact with the underlying terrain and are not insulated by water. They can absorb heat more readily from the surrounding air or warmer ground, resulting in a faster melting rate compared to floating ice.
However, it's important to note that the specific conditions, such as water or air temperatures, can vary, and other factors like ocean currents, air circulation patterns, and topography can influence the rate of melting for both floating ice and land-based glaciers.