Question

Ice and snow reflect much more of the sun's energy than soils or vegetation. what effect would a permanent, complete covering of the arctic ocean by floating sea ice have on the extent of permafrost in arctic and high latitude lands?

Answer 1

Since ice and snow reflect so intensely the sun's energy, a complete covering of the artic would mean the sun's energy would be reflected even more intensely, which would increase temperature and melt the ice and the snow more quickly