Answer to Question 1
Changes that have been observed in the oceans due to global warming include increased ocean temperatures, changes in deep-water circulation, melting of polar ice, increase in ocean acidity, and rising sea level. These changes in the ocean will continue for centuries.
Answer to Question 2
Two main factors contribute to the global rise in sea level: (1 ) thermal expansion of ocean water as it warms and (2 ) an increase in the amount of water in the ocean from the melting of ice on land. Note that the melting of floating sea ice (such as in the Arctic Ocean) or floating ice shelves (such as those that fringe Antarctica) does not contribute to sea level rise because that ice/water is already in the ocean. More specifically, in order of their overall contribution to the observed global rise in sea level (Figure 16.31 ), the main contributors are: 1. The melting of the Antarctic and Greenland Ice Sheets; 2. The thermal expansion of ocean surface waters; 3. The melting of land glaciers and small ice caps; 4. The thermal expansion of deep-ocean waters
Total fertility rates (TFRs) among major regions of the world.
Deserts differ across the world. (a) Acacia trees between a gravel plain and sand dunes in the Namib
The world’s longest glass-bottomed bridge
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Give the world a reason to remember your name