Question

1. what impact does melting ice have on ocean water?

a. decreases water levels
b. raises land elevation
c. changes salinity
d. increases freshwater

Explanation:

• Option a: Melting ice (especially from glaciers and ice sheets) typically increases ocean water levels, not decreases them. So a is incorrect.
• Option b: Melting ice affects ocean water, not directly land elevation in the context of this question about ocean water impact. Land elevation change due to ice melting is a long - term, indirect effect related to isostatic adjustment, not a direct impact on ocean water. So b is incorrect.
• Option c: Ocean water has a certain salinity (amount of salt dissolved). Ice is freshwater (has little to no salt). When ice melts and mixes with ocean water, it dilutes the salt concentration, thus changing the salinity (making it less salty). This is a direct impact on ocean water.
• Option d: While melting ice does add freshwater to the ocean, the term "increases freshwater" is a bit misleading as the ocean is a large body of saltwater, and the addition of freshwater is more about changing the salinity (as in option c) rather than just increasing the amount of freshwater in a way that is the primary impact on the ocean water's properties. Also, the key property change of ocean water due to ice melting is salinity change.

Answer:

c. Changes salinity