If the ice caps melted, the most likely occurrence in the hydrosphere would be a rise in sea level. As the ice caps, especially those in Greenland and Antarctica, hold a significant amount of freshwater, their melting would release a large volume of water into the oceans. This influx of water would cause the sea level to rise globally, resulting in the flooding of coastal areas and low-lying islands. The increased volume of water in the oceans would also alter ocean currents and cause changes in water temperature and salinity, which could have further effects on marine ecosystems.
