NASA | Arctic Melt Season Lengthening, Ocean Rapidly Warming

A NASA and National Snow and Ice Data Center study reveals that Arctic sea ice is melting for an additional 5 days each decade since 1979, weakening the ice. This is due to increased solar energy absorption and rising sea surface temperatures. The growth season is delayed by 6 to 11 days per decade, and ice thickness is decreasing by 4 feet annually. Continued warming is expected to bring further changes.

According to the study, how many additional days per decade has the sea ice been melting since 1979?

• 7 days

• 5 days

• 3 days

• 10 days

What is one of the main factors causing changes in sea ice?

• Decreased solar energy absorption

• Increased solar energy absorption

• Decreased sea surface temperatures

• Stable sea surface temperatures

How much is the Arctic sea ice growth season delayed each decade?

• 6 to 11 days

• 12 to 15 days

• 3 to 5 days

• 1 to 3 days

What is the annual loss rate of sea ice thickness in some areas?

• 5 feet per year

• 4 feet per year

• 3 feet per year

• 2 feet per year

What do scientists expect as the region continues to warm?

• More changes

• No changes

• Immediate stabilization

• Fewer changes