Melting glaciers add to rising sea levels , which in turn increases coastal erosion and elevates storm surge as warming air and ocean temperatures create more frequent and intense coastal storms like hurricanes and typhoons.
What is a possible effect of polar ice melting?
Consequences of Ice Caps Melting
When the Antarctic melts, climate experts state that sea levels can rise to 200 feet and more. Greenland’s melting ice sheet will add another 20 feet to sea level rise. So all together, the melting of polar ice caps effects would include sea levels rising 220 feet or more worldwide .
How does the Arctic ice melting affect us?
The melting of this Arctic sea ice will most likely lead to further climate change . This is a problem because climate change affects almost everything important to humans, like plants, animals, the weather, and commerce. All these things, in turn, affect our food supplies.
How does the melting of polar ice caps affect global warming?
While sea ice exists primarily in the polar regions, it influences the global climate. ... When warming temperatures gradually melt sea ice over time, fewer bright surfaces are available to reflect sunlight back into the atmosphere. More solar energy is absorbed at the surface and ocean temperatures rise.
What are the causes and dangers of the melting polar ice caps?
- Burning of fossil fuels. The burning of fossil fuels has resulted in the buildup of greenhouse gases in the environment thus influencing the warming trend because they trap heat in the atmosphere. ...
- Oil and gas drilling. ...
- Deforestation. ...
- Ice breaking ships.
Why is glaciers melting a bad thing?
Melting glaciers add to rising sea levels , which in turn increases coastal erosion and elevates storm surge as warming air and ocean temperatures create more frequent and intense coastal storms like hurricanes and typhoons.
What will happen when all the ice melts?
If all the ice covering Antarctica , Greenland, and in mountain glaciers around the world were to melt, sea level would rise about 70 meters (230 feet) . The ocean would cover all the coastal cities. And land area would shrink significantly. ... Ice actually flows down valleys like rivers of water .
What causes the ice to melt answer?
Energy to melt ice can come from sources besides direct solar energy. Water that is under the ice and that has a temperature above the freezing point causes the bottom surface of the ice to melt. Warm surface waters cause the edges of the ice to melt, particularly in leads and polynyas.
Which is responsible for global warming?
Global warming is an aspect of climate change, referring to the long-term rise of the planet’s temperatures. It is caused by increased concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere , mainly from human activities such as burning fossil fuels, and farming.
How does climate change global warming affect human health?
Hot temperatures increase the ozone concentration, which can damage people’s lung tissue and cause complications for asthma patients and those with lung diseases. Increased global warming can also pose a threat to national security , affecting food security, which, in turn, can lead to resource conflicts.
What can we do to stop global warming?
- Change a light. Replacing one regular light bulb with a compact fluorescent light bulb will save 150 pounds of carbon dioxide a year.
- Drive less. ...
- Recycle more. ...
- Check your tires. ...
- Use less hot water. ...
- Avoid products with a lot of packaging. ...
- Adjust your thermostat. ...
- Plant a tree.
How does global warming affect the Arctic?
Melting ice speeds up climate change.
Global warming is causing Arctic ice to melt – ice reflects sunlight, while water absorbs it. When the Arctic ice melts, the oceans around it absorb more sunlight and heat up, making the world warmer as a result.
Is the Arctic really melting?
In September 2020, the US National Snow and Ice Data Center reported that the Arctic sea ice in 2020 had melted to an area of 3.74 million km 2 , its second-smallest area since records began in 1979.
What can we do to stop ice caps melting?
- reduce the consumption of natural resources,
- reduce the emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere, and.
- preserve the purity of water and forests.
Which energy source contributes least to global warming?
Renewable energy, explained. Solar, wind, hydroelectric, biomass, and geothermal power can provide energy without the planet-warming effects of fossil fuels.
Is carbon footprint good or bad?
Carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere, and the emissions of other GHGs, are often associated with the burning of fossil fuels, like natural gas, crude oil and coal. While this is harmful to the environment , carbon offsets can be purchased in an attempt to make up for these harmful effects.
