Antarctic ice sheet faces chain reaction collapse

The video discusses the potential collapse of ice sheets due to climate change, drawing parallels with Earth's climate 13-17 million years ago. It explains how melting ice exposes land, increasing local temperatures and altering weather patterns. This can reverse Antarctic wind directions, leading to more rainfall and freshwater entering the sea, which affects ocean circulation and warming. The study highlights that exposed land encourages further ice loss. It also notes that Earth's orbital positions have historically influenced ice sheet stability.

What happens to local temperatures when ice sheets melt and expose the land beneath?

• They become warmer.

• They become cooler.

• They fluctuate unpredictably.

• They remain the same.

How does the reversal of wind patterns affect Antarctica?

• It causes drought.

• It increases rainfall.

• It decreases rainfall.

• It has no effect on rainfall.

Why does fresh water entering the sea contribute to further warming?

• Because it cools the ocean surface.

• Because it is denser than salt water.

• Because it sinks and circulates quickly.

• Because it is less dense and stays on top.

What did the study find to be more important for ice loss?

• Reductions in ice volume.

• Reductions in ice area.

• Increased ice thickness.

• Increased snowfall.

How did Earth's past orbital positions help preserve ice sheets?

• By stabilizing atmospheric CO2 levels.

• By reducing solar radiation.

• By causing ice sheets to advance and retreat.

• By increasing global temperatures.