Base your answers to questions 5 on the paragraph below, which describes some factors that affect Earth’s climate.

Earth’s climate is in a delicate state of balance. Many factors affect the climate. Any small change in the factors may lead to long-term cooling or warming of Earth’s atmosphere. For instance, during the last 100 years, measurements have shown a gradual increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide. This change has been linked to an increase in Earth’s average atmospheric temperature. Variations in the tilt of Earth’s axis have been similarly linked to the occurrence of ice ages. Both the increases in temperature and the occurrence of ice ages have been linked to changes in global sea level.

5. State one way that the recent increase in average global temperature can affect the ocean water level.

Correct Answer:

Some ways in which the recent increase in average global temperature can affect the ocean water level are:

• Global warming causing melting of glaciers, hence causing a rise in sea level

• Increased evaporation could lower sea level