Though harvesting ice is not a new concept, recently it has been considered in a new way. Scientists have been studying this idea of harvesting ice as a possible solution to the problem of the world’s dwindling fresh water supply. Ninety percent of the earth’s fresh water is in the icecap of Antarctica. If only 10 percent of the ice could be towed to civilization, it could provide water for 500 million people. But the problem, of course, is one of melting. How can a giant iceberg be lower across the sea without melting? The answer could lie in enclosing the floating ice in a huge cylindrical container made of a high strength synthetic fabric. If the iceberg were nudged into the fabric, which is opened at both ends, then the ends could be sealed and the seawater pumped out. After that it could be towed to civilization. The melting rate would be slowed down and the synthetic cocoon would act as a holding tank for the water. Engineering this project, which might include a container up to one kilometer in length and 100 meters in diameter, would be a feat, but engineers say it is possible. After all fishermen in North Australia sometimes use nets 8 kilometers long and 20 meters across.
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