Question

question 18 of 25
why do melting ice caps make earth warmer?
a. the ground under the ice has a lower albedo.
b. polar ocean water cools off.
c. the salinity of ocean water increases.
d. more solar energy is reflected.

Explanation:

Ice has a high albedo, meaning it reflects a lot of solar energy. When ice caps melt, the underlying ground or ocean has a lower albedo and absorbs more solar energy, leading to warming. Polar ocean water cooling off would not cause Earth to warm. An increase in ocean - water salinity doesn't directly make Earth warmer. If more solar energy were reflected, Earth would cool, not warm.

Answer:

A. The ground under the ice has a lower albedo.