What evidence suggests that global climate change is causing the oceans to get warmer?
Decreased air temperatures Decreased storm strength Increased sea levels Increased surface ice
A. Decreased air temperatures
B. Decreased storm strength
C. Increased sea levels
D. Increased surface ice
Please look at those answers again and tell us which one makes sense and which three are simply crazy.
The evidence supporting the claim that global climate change is causing the oceans to get warmer includes:
1. Temperature measurements: Scientists have been measuring ocean temperatures for many years and have observed a consistent increase in water temperature. This warming trend correlates with the increase in greenhouse gas emissions and the rise in global average temperatures.
2. Ocean heat content: The Earth's oceans store a significant amount of heat due to their high heat capacity. Measurements of ocean heat content have shown a steady increase over the past few decades, indicating the absorption of excess heat from the atmosphere.
3. Melting glaciers and ice caps: As global temperatures rise, glaciers and ice caps melt at an accelerated rate. The melting ice adds freshwater to the ocean, causing sea levels to rise. The increased input of freshwater can disrupt ocean currents and further influence temperature patterns.
4. Rising sea levels: Global warming causes the thermal expansion of seawater, which contributes to rising sea levels. This expansion occurs as water molecules become less dense when heated, leading to an increase in volume. Sea-level rise threatens coastal areas and can result in more frequent and severe flooding events.
Overall, these pieces of evidence, including temperature measurements, ocean heat content, melting glaciers, and rising sea levels, suggest that global climate change is causing the oceans to warm.
The evidence that suggests global climate change is causing the oceans to get warmer includes the following factors:
1. Increased sea levels: Global warming causes the melting of glaciers and ice sheets, leading to the release of large volumes of water into the oceans. This additional influx of water raises the overall sea levels.
2. Increased surface ice: While it may seem contradictory, the melting of ice caps and glaciers due to global warming can cause higher amounts of colder freshwater to be released into the oceans. This influx of cold water can disrupt ocean currents and potentially alter the temperature distribution.
3. Decreased air temperatures: As the Earth's climate changes, alterations in atmospheric and oceanic circulations can occur. These changes can lead to variations in air temperature distribution, causing certain regions to experience cooler temperatures. However, these specific localized cooling effects do not negate the overall trend of ocean warming.
4. Decreased storm strength: A warmer ocean provides more energy and moisture for the formation and intensification of tropical storms and hurricanes. Increased ocean temperatures can contribute to more frequent and intense storms, including hurricanes and typhoons.
It is important to note that these factors collectively provide evidence for global climate change impacting the oceans' temperature. Most scientific studies combine multiple lines of evidence, such as ocean temperature measurements, satellite observations, and computer climate models, to establish the relationship between global warming and ocean temperature changes.