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At temperatures above 4°C, water expands as it absorbs thermal energy. In the activity "Climate Change," you read about a problem in the Solomon Islands. How might this problem be related to the oceans becoming warmer?

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Final answer:

The warming of oceans due to global climate change causes the thermal expansion of water, leading to a rise in sea levels which poses a risk to island nations like the Solomon Islands. Ocean acidification and changes in the climate moderation effect of water's heat capacity also result from global warming.

Step-by-step explanation:

The problem related to the Solomon Islands in connection with the oceans becoming warmer deals with the phenomenon of thermal expansion of seawater and subsequent sea level rise. As the global climate changes, the oceans absorb more thermal energy causing them to warm up. This increase in temperature results in the expansion of water volume and a reduction in its density. When considering the immense volume of the ocean, even a small increase in temperature can lead to a significant rise in sea levels due to the water's expansion. Consequently, low-lying coastal areas and island nations like the Solomon Islands are facing an increased risk of submersion and land loss, which can disrupt ecosystems, affect human settlements, and cause other socio-economic challenges.

Additionally, due to carbon dioxide absorption, the oceans are becoming more acidic, affecting marine life. The climate-moderating effect of water's large heat capacity is also crucial, as it allows coastal climates to remain mild. However, this characteristic is overshadowed by the overall impacts of global warming and excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which are causing more significant, long-term changes to global climates and sea levels.

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