Final answer:
The second step in the hypothesized warm Arctic cold continents pattern involves atmospheric changes leading to cold air from the Arctic spilling into the mid-latitudes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Warm Arctic Cold Continents Pattern
The hypothesized warm Arctic cold continents pattern refers to climatic changes potentially driven by global warming. This pattern is characterized by an unusually warm Arctic region leading to colder winters on the continents in the Northern Hemisphere. Addressing the question regarding the second step in this hypothesized pattern, following the initial warming of the Arctic, the next step involves atmospheric changes. These changes might include alterations in the jet stream, resulting in cold air spillage from the Arctic into the mid-latitudes, which can lead to colder continental temperatures. A prolonged warm period in the Arctic could significantly affect global climate by influencing weather patterns, ocean circulation, and could ultimately lead to Antarctic ice sheet expansion and global cooling in a complex feedback loop due to lower CO2 levels.