Which of the following is responsible for melting of polar ice caps

Options

A. Ozone depletion
B. Soil erosion
C. Water logging
D. Green house effect

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks which of the given options is responsible for the melting of polar ice caps. The options provided are ozone depletion, soil erosion, water logging, and greenhouse effect.

2. **Identifying the Relevant Phenomenon**: Among the options, we need to determine which phenomenon is directly linked to the melting of polar ice caps.

3. **Explaining the Greenhouse Effect**: The greenhouse effect is a natural process that warms the Earth’s surface. It occurs when the sun's energy reaches the Earth – some of this energy is reflected back to space and the rest is absorbed and re-radiated by greenhouse gases.

4. **Identifying Greenhouse Gases**: The main gases responsible for the greenhouse effect include Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), and Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). The increase in these gases leads to an increase in Earth's temperature, a phenomenon known as global warming.

5. **Linking Global Warming to Ice Melt**: As the Earth’s temperature rises due to the greenhouse effect, it causes the polar ice caps to melt. This melting contributes to rising sea levels, which can have severe impacts on coastal areas.

6. **Eliminating Other Options**:
- **Ozone Depletion**: This refers to the thinning of the ozone layer, which protects the Earth from harmful UV radiation. It is not directly responsible for the melting of ice caps.
- **Soil Erosion**: This is the removal of the top layer of soil and does not directly affect polar ice melting.
- **Water Logging**: This refers to the saturation of soil with water, which is also not directly linked to the melting of ice caps.

7. **Conclusion**: Based on the explanation, the correct answer is the **greenhouse effect**, as it is the primary cause of global warming, which in turn leads to the melting of polar ice caps.

**Final Answer**: The greenhouse effect is responsible for the melting of polar ice caps.

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