How much of an iceberg is below water?
Icebergs float because the density of ice is approximately 900 kilograms per cubic meter, which is lower than that of seawater (around 1025 kilograms per cubic meter). The relation of these densities tells us that 7/8 of the iceberg’s bulk should be below water. Generally, icebergs protrude underwater, meaning that they are 20 to 30% longer than they appear from the surface. Also, the average depth, or draught of an iceberg is slightly less than its apparent length above water. Knowing this, the “tip of the iceberg” expression can be easily explained.
