Question

which of the following perpetuate the global warming process, making it more and more intense as time passes?
correct answer(s)
increased temperatures cause polar melting and increase the water table.
increased temperatures lead to increased precipitation and flooding.
water vapor is the most potent greenhouse gas, and its concentration increases with temperature, up to the point of water saturation.
increased temperatures increase the decomposition of carbon in previously frozen permafrost, releasing co₂ and ch₄ into the atmosphere.
increased temperatures lead to the melting of methane clathrates, which releases methane (ch₄) into the atmosphere.

Explanation:

• Polar melting due to increased temperatures contributes to global warming as it affects albedo (reflectivity of the Earth's surface).
• Increased precipitation and flooding are part of the climate change - related weather patterns that are exacerbated by global warming.
• Water vapor is a greenhouse gas. As temperature increases, more water evaporates (up to saturation), enhancing the greenhouse effect.
• Decomposition of carbon in permafrost (due to warming) releases \(CO_2\) and \(CH_4\), which are potent greenhouse gases.
• Melting of methane clathrates (due to warming) releases \(CH_4\), a strong greenhouse gas.

Answer:

All of the given options perpetuate the global warming process.