Question

scientists are concerned about melting glaciers and ice sheets. why are they concerned?
melting glaciers release many harmful chemicals.
this causes a decrease in albedo and warms the earth.
they cause huge earthquakes when they move.
they block sunlight from reaching the earth’s core.

Explanation:

• Analyze Option 1: Glaciers don't mainly release harmful chemicals when melting; this is incorrect.
• Analyze Option 2: Ice (glaciers/ice sheets) has high albedo (reflects sunlight). When they melt, more dark surfaces (like ocean, land) are exposed, decreasing albedo. Less reflection means more solar energy is absorbed, warming the Earth. This is a key climate concern.
• Analyze Option 3: Glaciers moving don't cause huge earthquakes; this is not a valid reason.
• Analyze Option 4: Glaciers are on the surface, not blocking sunlight to the Earth’s core (a non - relevant concept here); this is incorrect.

Answer:

The correct option is "This causes a decrease in albedo and warms the earth." (the second option among the given choices).