Question

which of these has a warming effect on earth?

a. more evaporation of water due to warmer temperatures causes low, thick clouds to form.

b. rising carbon dioxide levels spur plant growth, causing increased carbon dioxide absorption.

c. as snow and ice melt, the underlying surfaces absorb more solar radiation.

d. earths oceans absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Explanation:

• Option A: Low, thick clouds often reflect solar radiation, having a cooling effect.
• Option B: Increased plant growth absorbing CO₂ reduces greenhouse gas, cooling effect.
• Option C: Snow/ice have high albedo (reflect solar radiation). When they melt, darker surfaces (like land, ocean) are exposed, which absorb more solar radiation, converting it to heat, thus warming Earth.
• Option D: Oceans absorbing CO₂ reduces atmospheric greenhouse gas, cooling effect.

Answer:

C. As snow and ice melt, the underlying surfaces absorb more solar radiation.