Question

which of these increases as greenhouse gas pollution increases?

a. thickness of freshwater ice sheets

b. ocean salinity

c. rate of thermohaline circulation

d. ocean surface temperature

Explanation:

Greenhouse gas pollution traps heat, leading to global warming. As greenhouse gas pollution increases, the Earth's temperature rises, which causes the ocean surface to absorb more heat and thus its temperature increases. Option A: Thicker freshwater ice sheets would decrease with warming (melting). Option B: Ocean salinity is more complex, but generally, melting ice (from warming) adds freshwater, tending to decrease salinity. Option C: Thermohaline circulation is driven by temperature and salinity differences; warming can disrupt it, not increase its rate.

Answer:

D. Ocean surface temperature