Praxis 5005 Practice Test Practice Question
Which TWO of the following are most likely to increase as a result of a continued decline in Arctic sea ice?
Correct Answer: A,C
Rationale: A continued decline in Arctic sea ice is expected to lead to an increase in the average air temperature of the Arctic (A) due to the albedo effect; as ice melts, darker ocean water absorbs more sunlight, raising temperatures. Additionally, the absorption of sunlight by the Arctic Ocean (C) will increase as more open water replaces reflective ice, further contributing to warming.
In contrast, the salinity of Arctic seawater (B) is unlikely to increase; melting ice introduces freshwater, which can decrease salinity. The availability of platforms for polar bears to hunt (D) is also expected to decrease, as diminishing ice limits their access to hunting grounds.
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