Part 2: Arctic Ice Computations

Examine the sustainability equation below. This equation represents all the components that affect the Arctic ice system. By plugging in the biodiversity (B), Arctic ice (R), technology impact (T) and sustainability constant into the equation, you will be able to calculate the life sustainability value for the Arctic region.

Sustainability of Life Equation:

S = C x B x R x T
S is a value that represents the life sustainability
C is a sustainability constant of 0.005
B is the biodiversity of the region by number of species
R is the millions of square kilometers of Arctic ice
T is the positive value of Arctic ice recovery made possible by any technology

For this section of the assignment, you will create a computational model using the sustainability equation and a data table. The first data set is provided for you. Change each additional data set to illustrate the effects on one component when one or all of the other components in the equation are altered. For example, you could decide to change the technology impact in the first data set. If technology is changed to 20, and all other values remain the same, the calculations would be as follows:

Example:

S = (0.005) x (1,000) x (3.7) x (20); S = 370

Manipulate seven additional data sets and place these values in your Ocean Interactions Worksheet.

Biodiversity Arctic Ice Technology Impact Life Sustainability
1,000 3.7 100 1,850

Computation Reflection Questions:

Describe how changes in technology, biodiversity, and Arctic ice amount affected life sustainability in the computational model represented by the data table.
Which component/s of your model could destabilize the entire Arctic ice system if it was a zero value? Explain your answer.
Is this computational model realistic and does it include all the interacting components of the Arctic ice system? Explain your answer.
What are the limitations of this computational model in relation to the real Arctic ice phenomenon?