Question

Ce masses are shrinking in the northern and southern hemispheres. Data from nasa's gravity recovery and climate experiment show that greenland lost 36-60 cubic miles of ice every year from 2002-2006. During the same time period, Antarctica lost 36 cubic miles each year (tapley et al.). What kind of evidence is this?

o Logical
o Anecdotal
o Evidence
o Empirical

Answer 1

The shrinking ice masses in both hemispheres, as documented by NASA and other studies, provide empirical evidence of climate change through direct, scientifically gathered observations.

Step-by-step explanation:

The data showing that ice masses are shrinking in Greenland and Antarctica is a form of empirical evidence. This type of evidence is based on observations and measurements, which can include experiments, observations through instruments, and consistent recordings of natural phenomena over time. In the context provided, the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment from NASA has documented that Greenland lost between 36 to 60 cubic miles of ice every year from 2002 to 2006, and Antarctica lost approximately 36 cubic miles each year. This empirical evidence indicates a physical change in our planet's ice masses, contributing to the broader understanding of climate change.

Further empirical evidence is found in studies of glacier recession, such as those in Montana's Glacier National Park. Such studies highlight the transformative effects of climate change over time. For instance, the park had about 150 glaciers in 1850, but by 2010, only 24 glaciers greater than 25 acres in size remained. Likewise, the data from ice cores drilled in Antarctica serve as empirical climate archives, revealing past temperatures and carbon dioxide concentrations. Overall, this empirical data has been crucial in helping scientists discern the rate of global warming and the resulting changes in our environment.