Which of the following would most likely occur in the hydrosphere if the ice caps melted?
Responses:
A. a decrease in the percent of the Earth covered by the oceans A
B. a change in the salinity of the oceans in the hydrosphere
C. an increase in the percent of the frozen water in the hydrosphere
D. an increase in the total amount of water in all states (solid, liquid, and gas) in the hydrosphere
3 answers
D. an increase in the total amount of water in all states (solid, liquid, and gas) in the hydrosphere
B. a change in the salinity of the oceans in the hydrosphere
Both options D and B could occur if the ice caps melted, but option B is the more likely outcome. The melting ice caps would introduce fresh water into the oceans, which would decrease their salinity. Option D, while possible, does not specifically address the impact on salinity. Therefore, option B is the most likely occurrence in this scenario.