When sea ice coverage decreases, which of the following quantities increases?

When sea ice coverage decreases, the quantity that increases is the amount of energy absorbed by the surface. This is because sea ice reflects a significant portion of incoming solar radiation due to its high albedo, which is a measure of how much light that hits a surface is reflected without being absorbed. When the reflective ice cover reduces, darker ocean water, which has a lower albedo, is exposed. This darker surface absorbs more solar energy rather than reflecting it, leading to an increase in the total energy absorbed by the surface.

As more energy is absorbed, it can contribute to further warming and melting of remaining ice, which creates a feedback loop that exacerbates the reduction in sea ice coverage. This process highlights the important role of sea ice in regulating climate and the effects of climate change. Understanding this dynamic is essential for grasping the broader implications of climate change on energy distribution and environmental stability.