Question

(04.05 MC)

Arctic sea ice melts back during the summer and grows or "recovers" during winter. The maximum amount of ice (ice extent) is usually reached in March. The graph below shows the amount of Arctic sea ice every September since 1984.

Graph shows Arctic ice extent every September since 1984, which was approximately seven million square kilometers. In 1992, the Arctic ice extent was still averaging seven million square kilometers. By 2000, the Arctic ice extent was six million square kilometers. By 2008, the Arctic ice extent was four and a half million square kilometers. By 2016, the Arctic ice extent was four and a half million square kilometers after a dip to three and half million square kilometers in 2012.
© 2021 NSIDC/NASA

At what point in the data is climate change evident by Arctic ice melting?

Arctic ice extent in the year 2016 is equal to Arctic ice extent in 1984.
Arctic ice extent is highest in September 2016 and lowest in 1984.
In 2016, Arctic ice had decreased by half compared to 1984.
The Arctic ice extent was highest between 2000 and 2016

Answer 1

In the year 2016, the Arctic ice extent was four and a half million square kilometers, which is a significant decrease compared to the approximate seven million square kilometers recorded in 1984. Additionally, the dip to three and a half million square kilometers in 2012 further highlights the trend of decreasing Arctic ice extent. The consistent decrease in Arctic ice extent from 1984 to 2016, with a notable drop in 2012 and a lower average extent in 2016 compared to earlier years, provides strong evidence of climate change influencing the melting of Arctic sea ice.

Answer 2

lalalalala