Question

select the statement(s) that are true about the effects of melting polar ice on the global energy budget. as more polar ice melts, more sunlight is reflected into the atmosphere. as more polar ice melts, less sunlight is absorbed by the ocean. as more polar ice melts, more sunlight is absorbed by the ocean. as more polar ice melts, atmospheric temperatures increase. as more polar ice melts, less sunlight is reflected into the atmosphere.

Explanation:

Polar ice has high albedo (reflectivity). When it melts, the darker - colored ocean is exposed. Darker surfaces absorb more sunlight than ice. Absorbing more sunlight leads to increased heating of the ocean and the atmosphere. So, less sunlight is reflected, more is absorbed by the ocean, and atmospheric temperatures increase.

Answer:

C. As more polar ice melts, more sunlight is absorbed by the ocean.
D. As more polar ice melts, atmospheric temperatures increase.
E. As more polar ice melts, less sunlight is reflected into the atmosphere.