what is the effect of changing temperature on the Arctic ocean as observed by scientists over the last few decades?
a. there is more sea ice
b. there are more areas of open ocean
c. there are more places with cold water
d. there is less saltwater
b. there are more areas of open ocean
The effect of changing temperature on the Arctic Ocean, as observed by scientists over the last few decades, can be summarized as follows:
1. There is less sea ice: One significant observation is that the Arctic region has experienced a decline in the extent and thickness of sea ice. This decline has been attributed to rising temperatures, particularly during the summer months, leading to melting and reduced coverage of sea ice.
2. There are more areas of open ocean: With the decrease in sea ice, larger areas of open ocean are becoming more prevalent in the Arctic. This has created new opportunities for marine transportation, resource exploitation, and changes in ecosystems.
3. There are more places with warm water: As a consequence of global warming, the Arctic Ocean has experienced an increase in water temperature. The warmer waters have been observed in various regions and depths, affecting the dynamics and circulation patterns within the Arctic Ocean system.
4. There is still saltwater: While the warming temperatures have had significant impacts on the Arctic Ocean, it remains primarily a saltwater system. The salinity levels have not significantly changed as a direct result of temperature variations but can be influenced by other factors such as freshwater input from melting ice.
In summary, changing temperatures in the Arctic Ocean have caused a reduction in sea ice, increased areas of open ocean, raised water temperatures, but the overall system of the Arctic Ocean remains predominantly composed of saltwater.
The effect of changing temperature on the Arctic Ocean as observed by scientists over the last few decades includes multiple factors. To determine the correct answer, let's break down each option and see what changes have occurred:
a. There is more sea ice: Over the last few decades, the Arctic has experienced a significant decrease in sea ice due to rising temperatures. The melting of sea ice has led to a reduction in the extent and thickness of summer ice cover. This makes option a incorrect.
b. There are more areas of open ocean: As a consequence of the reduced sea ice, there has been an increase in areas of open ocean in the Arctic. In the summer months, vast expanses of water that were previously covered in ice are now exposed. This makes option b correct.
c. There are more places with cold water: While the Arctic region is experiencing a warming trend overall, it does not necessarily mean that the water temperatures have become warmer everywhere. Some areas may still have cold water due to factors such as ocean currents and local weather patterns. However, the general trend suggests that temperatures are increasing. Therefore, option c can be considered incorrect.
d. There is less saltwater: The salinity of the Arctic Ocean is primarily determined by the presence of sea ice. As the amount of sea ice decreases, the melting freshwater dilutes the saltwater, resulting in a decrease in overall salinity. Therefore, option d is incorrect.
In conclusion, based on scientific observations over the last few decades, the correct answer is:
b. There are more areas of open ocean.