2. Higher levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere cause sea ice to melt.
The increased burning of fossil fuels releases excessive amounts of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide into the atmosphere, which trap heat from the sun and cause the planet's temperature to rise. This increase in temperature causes the melting of ice in the cryosphere, which includes glaciers, ice sheets, seasonal snow covers, sea ice and permafrost. The use of fossil fuels is considered to be one of the major causes of climate change, and its impact on the cryosphere is a testament to the far-reaching effects of human activity on Earth's natural systems.
How does the use of fossil fuels affect the cryosphere?
1. Acid rain containing sulfur dioxide corrodes sea ice and glaciers.
2. Higher levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere cause sea ice to melt.
3. Particulate matter in the atmosphere helps new glaciers form.
4. Higher levels of ground-level ozone protect glaciers from the sun's rays.
1 answer
1 answer