How can ice-albedo feedback affect climate?
What will be an ideal response?
Answer: Much of Earth's surface is occupied by large continental ice sheets and floating sea ice. If the atmosphere were to cool along the margins of these ice masses, there could be an expansion of the ice-covered area. Similarly, any warming would likely lead to melting and a retreat of the ice margin. Because ice has a higher albedo than most other natural surfaces, an expansion of the ice would lead to a reduction in the amount of insolation absorbed by the surface, which in turn would lead to further cooling (a positive feedback). Likewise, a retreat of the ice associated with a warming climate would increase the amount of surface no longer covered by the reflective ice and, therefore, lead to enhanced warming. Thus, a positive feedback mechanism is at work that favors continued warming or cooling once such a temperature trend is initiated. It is largely for this reason that middle and high latitudes show larger changes than low latitudes.
You might also like to view...
Moh's scale is defined on the basis of minerals that have different
A) cleavage directions. B) colors. C) hardnesses. D) shapes.
In classifying the ocean by light level, the primary divisions are between neritic and oceanic zones
Indicate whether the statement is true or false
Regulating ecosystem services are ways that ecosystems control important conditions and/or processes such as ________
A) soil formation and nutrient cycles B) aesthetic beauty and recreation C) pollination and chlorophyll D) climate, water flow, and disease E) food, water, and fiber
According to the theory of island biogeography, which island would have the highest species richness?
a. A large island, close to the mainland b. A large island, far from the mainland c. A small island, close to the mainland d. A small island, far from the mainland