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Glaciers in Argentina are thinning at a rate of about 1.8m (5.9ft) per year. What is the main cause of this phenomenon?

a. Global warming
b. Plate tectonics
c. Deforestation
d. Volcanic activity

User Jatin Jha
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Final answer:

Glaciers in Argentina are primarily thinning due to global warming, which is a significant aspect of climate change, leading to the retreat of glaciers worldwide and contributing to sea level rise.

Step-by-step explanation:

The glaciers in Argentina are thinning at a rate of about 1.8m (5.9ft) per year mainly due to global warming. This phenomenon can be attributed to the increase in greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, which contribute to rising temperatures on Earth's surface.

The burning of fossil fuels is a significant source of these gases. Climate change is evidenced by various global events, including glacier recession at Glacier National Park, melting ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica, and the decrease in the size and thickness of the Arctic sea ice.

Glacier recession leads to a loss of summer meltwaters, which affects seasonal water supplies and local ecosystems. Furthermore, melting ice adds to sea level rise, posing a threat to coastal regions. Present observations and future projections indicate that unless changes are made to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, glaciers will continue to shrink, contributing to further environmental impacts.

User JPero
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