What is the effect of changing temperature on the Arctic Ocean as observed by scientists over the last few decades?
A. There are more areas of open ocean.
B. There are no changed in temperature.
C. There is less saltwater.
D. There is more sea ice.
A. There are more areas of open ocean.
Scientists have observed that temperatures in the Arctic Ocean have been increasing over the last few decades, causing more sea ice to melt and resulting in larger areas of open ocean. This has significant implications for Arctic wildlife, ecosystems, and global climate patterns.
Why has the temperature of the Arctic Ocean changed during the last 40 years?
A. Less snow falls in the Arctic now than 40 years ago.
B. More sunlight now reaches Earth than in the past.
C. Sea ice has produced more salt, causing the cold ocean water to sink.
D. Sea ice has melted, allowing more sunlight to hit the ocean.
D. Sea ice has melted, allowing more sunlight to hit the ocean.
The melting of sea ice in the Arctic Ocean has contributed to the increase in temperatures over the last 40 years. As the ice melts, more of the sun's energy is absorbed by the darker ocean water rather than being reflected back into space by the white ice. This results in further warming of the ocean and the Arctic region as a whole.