Which of these would most likely occur as the ice caps melt?

• A. Rainforest biodiversity would immediately increase.
• B. Desertification would increase in polar regions.
• C. Global temperatures would decrease significantly.
• D. Sea levels would rise, leading to coastal flooding.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the context: The melting of ice caps is a result of global warming, which is caused by the increase in greenhouse gases. Ice caps store large amounts of frozen water, and their melting contributes to changes in the Earth's systems.
2. Analyze the options: Evaluate each option to determine its likelihood based on scientific principles. For example, rainforest biodiversity is not directly linked to ice cap melting, and desertification in polar regions is not a typical consequence of this phenomenon.
3. Focus on the correct consequence: Melting ice caps release water into the oceans, which directly contributes to rising sea levels. This is a well-documented effect of global warming and ice cap melting.
4. Consider the impact of rising sea levels: Rising sea levels can lead to coastal flooding, which affects human populations, ecosystems, and infrastructure in low-lying areas.
5. Conclude with the correct answer: Based on the analysis, the most likely outcome of ice caps melting is that sea levels would rise, leading to coastal flooding.