Question

question 1
not yet answered points out of 1.00 flag question
why is albedo decreasing in the arctic ocean?
a. because there is a lot of sunlight in arctic ocean
b. because arctic air has lots of water vapor and little carbon dioxide
c. because arctic air is saturated with coal-derived sulfur particles
d. because arctic sea ice is melting

Explanation:

Albedo is the measure of how much light a surface reflects. Arctic sea ice has a high albedo (reflects much sunlight), while open water has a low albedo (absorbs more sunlight). As arctic sea ice melts, more open water is exposed, reducing the overall albedo of the Arctic Ocean. Option A is incorrect as sunlight amount doesn't directly cause albedo decrease (albedo is about reflection, not sunlight availability). Option B: Water vapor and carbon dioxide levels don't relate to sea ice - open water albedo difference. Option C: Coal - derived sulfur particles don't cause the primary albedo decrease in the Arctic Ocean related to sea ice melt. So the correct reason is arctic sea ice melting.

Answer:

D. because arctic sea ice is melting