Which two regions currently contain the world’s last remaining ice sheets?

• A. Himalayas and Andes
• B. Siberia and Alaska
• C. Canada and Scandinavia
• D. Greenland and Antarctica

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding what an ice sheet is. Ice sheets are massive layers of glacial ice that cover extensive areas of land, typically found in polar regions.
2. Step 2: Recognize that the world's last remaining ice sheets are located in regions with extremely cold climates, where temperatures are consistently below freezing to sustain such large ice masses.
3. Step 3: Eliminate options based on geographical and climatic knowledge. For example, the Himalayas and Andes are mountain ranges, not regions with extensive ice sheets. Similarly, Siberia and Alaska, while cold, do not have ice sheets but rather smaller glaciers and permafrost.
4. Step 4: Focus on Greenland and Antarctica, as these are the only two regions on Earth that currently contain ice sheets. Greenland has the Greenland Ice Sheet, and Antarctica has the Antarctic Ice Sheet, which are the largest ice masses on the planet.
5. Step 5: Confirm the answer by noting that these ice sheets play a critical role in Earth's climate system and are studied extensively for their impact on global sea levels and climate change.