The melting of snow and ice caps from the polar regions is responsible for ________.

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

RRB JE CBT 2 (Mechanical Engineering) ReExam Official Paper (Held On: 04 Jun, 2025)

Answer 1

The correct answer is the rise in sea levels.

Key Points

The melting of snow and ice caps in polar regions is a direct consequence of global warming, which is caused by the rise in greenhouse gas emissions.
When these ice caps and glaciers melt, the water flows into the oceans, leading to a rise in sea levels. This phenomenon is known as glacial melt.
Thermal expansion also contributes to rising sea levels. As ocean water warms, it expands, further increasing sea levels.
Rising sea levels have significant implications, including coastal flooding, loss of habitat for wildlife, and the displacement of millions of people in low-lying areas.
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), global sea levels have risen by approximately 8–9 inches (21–24 cm) since 1880, with about a third of that rise occurring in the last two decades.
Regions such as island nations and coastal cities are particularly vulnerable, with some areas already experiencing severe impacts.
Efforts to mitigate this issue include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to renewable energy, and implementing coastal adaptation measures.

Additional Information

Condensation
- Condensation refers to the process where water vapor in the air cools down and turns into liquid water. It is a key step in the water cycle and leads to the formation of clouds.
- This process is not related to the melting of polar ice caps but is instead a mechanism for forming precipitation such as rain, snow, or dew.
The decline in sea levels
- The decline in sea levels is not a commonly observed phenomenon under current climate trends. Instead, sea levels are rising due to melting ice and thermal expansion.
- Sea levels may decline locally in specific areas due to geological factors like isostatic rebound or tectonic activity, but this is not related to polar ice melting.
Rainfall
- Rainfall is a result of the condensation of water vapor in the atmosphere, not the melting of snow and ice caps.
- While climate change may influence rainfall patterns, it is not directly caused by polar ice melt. Instead, it is linked to changes in atmospheric and oceanic circulation.