Final answer:
Snow and ice on Earth's surface have a cooling effect on Earth's climate by reflecting sunlight back into space, helping to lower temperatures and thereby stabilizing the climate. The high albedo of these surfaces is crucial in regulating Earth's energy balance, so their melting contributes to global warming.
Step-by-step explanation:
The effect of snow and ice on Earth's climate can be explained by a concept known as albedo, which is the measure of the reflectivity of Earth's surface. Snow and ice, being light-colored surfaces, reflect more solar radiation back into space compared to darker surfaces, like oceans or forests. Therefore, the most accurate answer to how snow and ice on the surface of Earth affect Earth's climate is c) Snow and ice reflect sunlight, helping to cool the planet. This high albedo helps to maintain cooler temperatures and stabilizes Earth's climate. As snow and ice melt, Earth absorbs more solar radiation, potentially leading to an acceleration of global warming.
When the Antarctic ice sheet melts, the loss of this reflective surface contributes to further climate change, as more radiation that would have been reflected is instead absorbed by the Earth's surface, leading to a rise in temperatures. This phenomenon is an important aspect of Earth's climate system, influencing both local weather patterns and the overall global climate. As such, the presence of snow and ice has significant implications for the planet's energy balance and climate regulation.