Which of the following is a consequence of global warming?

Prepare for UCF's PHY1038 Physics of Energy, Climate Change, and Environment Exam 2. Use our features like flashcards and in-depth explanations for each question to boost your preparation and confidence!

Rising sea levels are a significant consequence of global warming, primarily due to two interconnected processes: the thermal expansion of seawater and the melting of ice sheets and glaciers. As global temperatures rise, water expands, causing sea levels to rise. Additionally, the melting of glaciers and polar ice caps adds more water to the oceans, further increasing sea level. This phenomenon poses serious risks to coastal communities, ecosystems, and infrastructure, leading to increased flooding and erosion.

The other options, while they may have some validity in specific contexts or circumstances, do not reflect the overarching trends associated with global warming. For example, increased agricultural productivity might occur in some regions due to a longer growing season, but it can also be adversely affected by droughts, floods, and changing climate patterns. Decreased extreme weather events contradict the current scientific consensus, which predicts an increase in frequency and intensity of such events, including storms and heatwaves. Lower biodiversity is a consequence of various factors, including habitat loss and climate change, but rising sea levels specifically highlight the direct impact of global warming on our planet.

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