Final answer:
Decreasing sea ice area is believed to represent a positive climate feedback leading to a warmer climate, often referred to as the ice-albedo feedback.
Step-by-step explanation:
The decreasing sea ice area is believed to represent a positive climate feedback leading to a warmer climate, often referred to as the ice-albedo feedback. Arctic sea ice is retreating at unprecedented rates, and as more dark water replaces reflective ice, more heat is absorbed, accelerating the warming of the Earth.
Positive feedbacks such as melted pools of water on top of the ice being darker than ice itself increase the rate at which solar energy is absorbed, further contributing to ice melting. It is projected that sea ice will continue to decline, glaciers will shrink, snow cover will decrease, and perma frost will thaw, exacerbating the positive climate feedback.