Question

Discuss the overall changes that the ice caps have undergone over the last 20,000 years. What will be some of the issues that humans and the environment will need to face in the next 1000 years if the present decline in the ice caps continue at their current rate? Find one peer reviewed journal article that pertains to the decline of the ice caps, provide a brief overview of the research, and be sure to document and provide your citation/reference. You have access to the library guide found on the Home page under the "Getting Started" tab. This library guide is specific to Geology, so you should have an easy time finding pertinent articles on all subjects covered in this course.

Answer 1

Over the past 20,000 years, ice caps witnessed natural fluctuations, including the Last Glacial Maximum and Holocene transitions.

Presently, human-induced climate change accelerates ice cap melting, causing unprecedented loss in Greenland and Antarctica.

This contributes to rising sea levels, impacting coastal areas, ecosystems, and freshwater availability. Melting ice caps trigger extreme weather events and biodiversity loss, necessitating global collaboration for mitigation and adaptation. A peer-reviewed study by DeConto and Alley anticipates significant Antarctic ice sheet contributions to future sea-level rise.

Urgent action and investment in infrastructure, coastal protection, and renewable energy are imperative to address the challenges posed by ongoing ice cap decline.