What effect does melting sea ice have on the atmosphere? a. the atmosphere gets cooler because there is more ocean water to absorb heat. b. the atmosphere gets warmer because there is less sea ice to reflect the sun's rays. c. the atmosphere gets warmer because sea ice releases heat as it melts. d. the atmosphere gets cooler because ocean temperatures decrease.

B) The atmosphere gets warmer because there is less sea ice to reflect the sun's rays.

The sea ice forms a reflective surface which reflects the sun rays back into the atmosphere and space. Warming temperatures which melt the sea ice decreases reflective surfaces by increasing absorption of sun rays and solar radiation.  

This is because the melted sea ice exposes the darker parts of the earth's surface melting the sea ice and increasing ocean temperatures. The heat from rising temperature is released into the atmosphere causing global warming. The cycle continues each season and the melted sea ice doesn't get enough time to freeze.