Question

the earth experiences an ice age when the overall climate becomes much cooler. during an ice age, there are several periods of glaciation, which are periods when glaciers and ice sheets cover more of the earth’s surface. ice reflects more sunlight back into outer space than does bare or vegetated ground. because ice sheets and glaciers are more reflective, they absorb less sunlight and therefore release ____ heat. this causes the earth’s climate to become ____ during periods of glaciation. a. less; warmer b. more; even cooler c. more; warmer d. less; even cooler

Explanation:

1. Analyze the first blank: Ice sheets and glaciers are more reflective and absorb less sunlight. Since heat release is related to sunlight absorption (more absorption means more heat release, less absorption means less heat release), so they release less heat.
2. Analyze the second blank: If they release less heat, the Earth's climate, which is already in an ice age (cooler overall), will become even cooler during glaciation periods.
3. Evaluate options:

• Option A: Releasing less heat but becoming warmer contradicts the logic (less heat should lead to cooler, not warmer). Eliminate.
• Option B: Releasing more heat is wrong because ice absorbs less sunlight, so it should release less heat. Eliminate.
• Option C: Releasing more heat and becoming warmer is completely wrong. Eliminate.
• Option D: Releasing less heat and becoming even cooler matches the analysis.

Answer:

D. less; even cooler