dixon wrote:
A physics teacher once asked what would happen if water, when freezing into
ice, became smaller as it got colder like all other materials. At the time
it seemed simple, the ice wouldn't expand so no more cracked engine blocks
and manifolds. Also docks wouldn't be lifted in winter and boats could
probably be left in the water all winter. Other than that, not much change
right? The answer was surprising! What do you think?

If ice did not have the almost unique characteristic of expanding
slightly, life on Earth (as we know it) would not be possible.

The most obvious thing would be the lack of a northern polar ice cap,
which would cause very different weather patterns.

Interesting question.

Regards
Doug King