Question

what process describes the accelerated melting of ice due to reduced reflectivity?
a. thermal inversion
b. albedo expansion
c. glacial deposition
d. ice melt feedback loop
which effect is caused by permafrost thawing?
a. formation of ice caps
b. reduction in ocean salinity
c. increased reflectivity
d. release of greenhouse gases

Explanation:

First Question:

• Option a: Thermal inversion is about temperature layers in the atmosphere, not ice melting due to reflectivity.
• Option b: Albedo is reflectivity, but "albedo expansion" is not a standard term. The process related to ice melting from reduced reflectivity (albedo) is a feedback loop.
• Option c: Glacial deposition is about sediment left by glaciers, not melting.
• Option d: Ice melt feedback loop: As ice melts, less reflectivity (lower albedo) means more heat absorption, accelerating melting—this matches the description.

• Option a: Permafrost thawing is the opposite of ice cap formation.
• Option b: Permafrost thawing doesn't directly reduce ocean salinity (ocean salinity is from salt, not permafrost).
• Option c: Thawing permafrost reduces ice/reflective surfaces, so reflectivity decreases, not increases.
• Option d: Permafrost contains methane (a greenhouse gas); thawing releases it—this is a known effect.

Answer:

d. Ice melt feedback loop

Second Question: