To determine how much of the global warming heat is absorbed by the oceans, let's examine the options given and identify the most accurate one.
We are provided with four options:
A) 5-10%
B) 20-30%
C) about 50%
D) 80-90%
Here’s how we can approach the problem:
1. Option A: 5-10% – This range indicates a very small portion of the global warming heat being absorbed by oceans. However, scientific studies and reports indicate that oceans play a significant role in absorbing heat, so this range seems too low.
2. Option B: 20-30% – While this range suggests a larger portion than Option A, it still underestimates the significant impact oceans have on absorbing heat.
3. Option C: about 50% – This is a substantial portion but still doesn’t fully capture the extent of the ocean's role in moderating global temperatures.
4. Option D: 80-90% – This range suggests that a predominant amount of the global warming heat is absorbed by the oceans. This aligns with various climate studies which indicate that oceans absorb a significant majority of the excess heat resulting from global warming, thereby preventing more drastic changes in atmospheric temperatures.
Given these evaluations, the data provided strongly support that oceans absorb the largest percentage of heat. Therefore, the most appropriate choice is:
D) 80-90%
