Question

There is a possibility of melting of polar ice caps and increase in the level of sea water due to: (a) Greenhouse effect (b) Acid rain

Short answer

(a) Greenhouse effect

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Greenhouse Effect

The greenhouse effect refers to the process by which certain gases in Earth's atmosphere trap heat, preventing it from escaping back into space. This trapped heat leads to an increase in the Earth's average temperature, which is a significant contributor to global warming.

Consequences of the Greenhouse Effect

One of the primary consequences of the greenhouse effect is global warming, which can cause the polar ice caps to melt. As the temperatures rise, the ice begins to melt, contributing to a rise in sea levels.

Define Acid Rain

Acid rain is caused by pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides being released into the atmosphere. These chemicals react with water, oxygen, and other substances to form acidic compounds, which then fall to the ground as precipitation.

Effects of Acid Rain

Acid rain primarily impacts the environment by damaging forests, lakes, and streams. It does not directly lead to the melting of polar ice caps or an increase in sea levels. Instead, its effects are more localized, harming ecosystems and infrastructure.

Determine the Correct Answer

Based on the understanding of the explanations above, it is the greenhouse effect, rather than acid rain, that has a direct correlation to the melting of the polar ice caps and the consequent rise in sea levels.

Key concepts

Global Warming

Global warming is a term that refers to the significant increase in Earth's average surface temperature. This warming results from the enhanced greenhouse effect, which is primarily driven by human activities.
Activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation lead to an increase in greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane.

• These gases trap heat from the sun, preventing it from escaping back into space.
• As a result, the Earth's temperature rises, leading to a variety of environmental changes.

This increase in temperature has far-reaching impacts on climate patterns, making storms more frequent and severe, altering wildlife habitats, and affecting agricultural production.

Polar Ice Caps Melting

One of the most noticeable effects of global warming is the melting of polar ice caps.
The polar ice caps are massive fields of ice located at Earth's poles, primarily in regions of Antarctica and the Arctic.

• As global temperatures rise, these ice masses are melting at unprecedented rates.
• The melting ice adds a large amount of water to the oceans, contributing to rising sea levels.

This process not only threatens coastal communities but also disrupts polar ecosystems, affecting iconic species like polar bears and seals.

Sea Level Rise

Sea level rise is a direct consequence of melting ice caps and glaciers.
As polar ice and land-based glaciers melt, water is added to the world's oceans.

• This process leads to an increase in sea level, posing risks to coastal cities worldwide.
• Low-lying areas and islands are particularly vulnerable, where even a small rise in sea levels can lead to flooding.

Sea level rise can cause saltwater to infiltrate freshwater systems, affecting drinking water sources and farming activities.

Acid Rain

Acid rain occurs when pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are released into the atmosphere.
They mix with water molecules and turn into acids that fall as precipitation.

• While acid rain does not contribute to ice cap melting or sea level rise, it poses other environmental challenges.
• It damages forests, harms aquatic life, and erodes buildings.

Its effects are mostly felt on a local scale, particularly around industrial areas, leading to ecosystem degradation and biodiversity loss.

Environmental Impact

The environmental impacts of global warming are varied and significant.
Increased global temperatures can alter the natural cycles of ecosystems, affecting biodiversity and habitat.

• Rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns can lead to more extreme weather events.
• This can result in natural disasters such as hurricanes, heatwaves, and floods becoming more common.

The melting of ice caps and subsequent sea level rise threaten human settlements, particularly in coastal regions, and can lead to the displacement of populations. Together, these changes underscore the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change and protect our planet's ecosystems.