Answers.com > Wiki Answers > Categories > Science > Biology > Ecology and Bionomics > Environmental Issues > How might the melting of polar ice caps affect life in the arctic and elsewhere?

Other contributors have said "How does polar ice melting affect the Arctic?" is the same question as "How might the melting of polar ice caps affect life in the arctic and elsewhere?" If you believe that these are not asking the same thing and should be answered differently, click here

How might the melting of polar ice caps affect life in the arctic and elsewhere?

In: Environmental Issues, Global Warming, Polar Bears [Edit categories]

Answer:

The arctic melting would be an example of a positive effect on the warming of our planet. With less ice we would have less reflecting material (albedo effect) and therefore the ability to absorb more heat.

To date this is not a serious issue as the total melting of the Arctic is less then 4% and made up for by the increases in ice at the Antarctic. The issue does warrant further observation though. Since 2007 we have seen a 26% increase in summer ice, the most telling sign of the strength of melting in that area.

Contributor:

N2146X

First answer by DLR4ever. Last edit by N2146X. Contributor trust: 383 [recommend contributor ]. Question popularity: 3 [recommend question].

[report abuse]

Can you answer these Environmental Issues questions?

	How does paper recycling improve sustainability?	Answer it!
	Should you protect the soil?	Answer it!
	When was the latest drought in India?	Answer it!
	What environmental concerns arise from the processing of copper?	Answer it!
	How many animals die every year in Antarctica because of human pollution?	Answer it!

Relevant answers:

How might melting ice caps affect human life?
Melting polar ice caps would raise the sea level by about 70 feet, resulting in massive flooding and submergence of many coastal regions, which are heavily populated, resulting in an enormous refugee...
Are the polar ice caps melting?
Yes, in the Arctic the polar ice cap is melting, losing about 3% ice every year. In the summer of 2007, for the first time in recorded history, the North-West Passage was open for shipping.
How might melting ice caps affect our planet?
If the ice caps melt, then the sea levels will rise, thus creating floods and possibly reducing the land available for all living things. This will also increase the possibility of circulation of...
How do ice caps melting affect the earth?
it leaves less habitat for arctic animals like polar bears and penguins, and the excess water from the caps will raise the water level in the process flooding near by coastal areas
How does melting ice caps affect the oceans?
If the ice caps melt then that will make the global eco-system out of balance. The ice caps are fresh water and when they melt they go into the ocean which makes it less salty. The gulf current will...