8. Increased global temperatures are linked to melting Arctic sea ice. By what process can melting Arctic sea ice increase global temperatures further, creating a positive feedback loop? a) melting Arctic sea ice adds freshwater to the Arctic, which is warmer than salt water b) sea ice reflects solar energy, more of which will be absorbed if sea ice cover decreases c) melting sea ice raises sea level, covering more of the land surface with absorbent water d) melting sea ice adds water vapour to the atmosphere, increasing the greenhouse effect e) thinner sea ice does not insulate the seawater from the atmosphere as well as thicker sea ice

Option (B)

Explanation:

The amount of ice that is present in the polar region plays a significant role in controlling the global temperature. This sea ice has the capacity to reflect the amount of incoming solar energy, this process of reflection is called albedo. Sea ice are the regions of high albedo.

If the ice cover region is more then there is more albedo or more reflection of solar radiations, whereas the regions which has less amount of ice will absorb radiations, thereby increasing its temperature, melting all of its ice and increase the sea level. Due to this, the temperature on the earth will significantly increase.

Thus, the correct answer is option (B).