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Question 1:

What is causing the melting of glaciers?

A) Decreased precipitation
B) Increased volcanic activity
C) Rising global temperatures
D) Natural glacier lifecycle

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Explanation: The correct answer is C) Rising global temperatures. The primary cause of glacier melting is the rising global temperatures resulting from human-induced climate change. Increased greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide and methane, trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to a warming planet. This rise in temperatures causes glaciers to melt at an accelerated rate, resulting in the loss of ice mass and a rise in sea levels.

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Question 2:

What are some impacts of melting glaciers?

A) Decreased water availability
B) Reduced habitat for glacier-dependent species
C) Increased risk of glacial lake outburst floods
D) All of the above

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Explanation: The correct answer is D) All of the above. Melting glaciers have various impacts, including decreased water availability, reduced habitat for glacier-dependent species, and increased risk of glacial lake outburst floods. As glaciers melt, they contribute less meltwater to rivers and streams, affecting downstream water supplies for drinking, irrigation, and hydropower generation. The loss of glacial habitat impacts species adapted to cold environments, such as snow leopards and mountain goats. Additionally, the retreat of glaciers can lead to the formation of glacial lakes, which can pose a risk of sudden and catastrophic outburst floods.

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Question 3:

What is the term used to describe the process of glaciers breaking apart?

A) Calving
B) Sublimation
C) Erosion
D) Condensation

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Explanation: The correct answer is A) Calving. Calving is the term used to describe the process of glaciers breaking apart or the release of ice chunks from the front of a glacier into a body of water, such as a lake or ocean. This process is common for glaciers that terminate in bodies of water and can lead to the formation of icebergs.

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Question 4:

What is glacial retreat?

A) The movement of glaciers downhill
B) The growth of glaciers over time
C) The loss of ice mass and reduction in glacier size
D) The formation of glacial lakes

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Explanation: The correct answer is C) The loss of ice mass and reduction in glacier size. Glacial retreat refers to the shrinking of glaciers over time due to the loss of ice mass. This can occur through processes such as melting, calving, or sublimation. Glacial retreat is a key indicator of climate change and is driven by rising global temperatures and the imbalance between ice accumulation (snowfall) and ice loss (melting).

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Question 5:

What is the significance of melting glaciers for sea-level rise?

A) Melting glaciers have no impact on sea-level rise
B) Melting glaciers contribute to a decrease in sea levels
C) Melting glaciers are the main contributor to sea-level rise
D) Melting glaciers have a negligible impact on sea levels

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Explanation: The correct answer is C) Melting glaciers are the main contributor to sea-level rise. Melting glaciers contribute significantly to the rise in global sea levels. As glaciers melt, their water flows into the ocean, increasing the volume of water and leading to a rise in sea levels. While other factors, such as thermal expansion of seawater and the melting of polar ice sheets, also contribute to sea-level rise, melting glaciers play a substantial role, especially in mountainous regions.