Asked by Micaila Marcinko on May 19, 2024
Verified
What is the main way that position of the continents can influence global sea level?
A) clustering of continents near the poles squashes the planet, causing sea level to rise
B) continents near the equator receive higher amounts of rainfall
C) continents at high latitudes provide a setting in which large ice sheets can form
D) clustering of continents near the poles causes ocean temperatures to fall substantially
Global Sea Level
The average height of the world's oceans' surface, influenced by factors such as climate change, glacial melt, and tectonic activities.
Ice Sheets
Massive, continent-sized sheets of ice found in polar regions, represented by Greenland and Antarctica, which significantly affect global climate and sea levels.
- Acquire knowledge about the association between changes in sea level and geological or climatic influences.
Verified Answer
JC
Janet CisnerosMay 21, 2024
Final Answer :
C
Explanation :
Continents located at high latitudes can support the formation of large ice sheets. When these ice sheets form, they lock away significant amounts of water that would otherwise be in the ocean, leading to a decrease in global sea levels. Conversely, when ice sheets melt, this water is released back into the oceans, causing sea levels to rise.
Learning Objectives
- Acquire knowledge about the association between changes in sea level and geological or climatic influences.