Which of the following correctly explains a positive climate feedback loop found in the Arctic?A.Increased melting of permafrost increases Earth’s ability to absorb methane gas, which decreases greenhouse warming and decreases the melting of permafrost.B.Increased global temperatures lead to decreased sea ice coverage and decreased albedo, which further increases global temperatures.C.Increased evaporation and cloud formation decreases the amount of solar energy reaching the surface of Earth, which leads to cooler temperatures at the surface and decreased evaporation and cloud formation.D.Increased precipitation increases the size of high albedo snowpack in polar regions, which leads to increased habitat for Arctic organisms such as polar bears.
Question
Which of the following correctly explains a positive climate feedback loop found in the Arctic?A.Increased melting of permafrost increases Earth’s ability to absorb methane gas, which decreases greenhouse warming and decreases the melting of permafrost.B.Increased global temperatures lead to decreased sea ice coverage and decreased albedo, which further increases global temperatures.C.Increased evaporation and cloud formation decreases the amount of solar energy reaching the surface of Earth, which leads to cooler temperatures at the surface and decreased evaporation and cloud formation.D.Increased precipitation increases the size of high albedo snowpack in polar regions, which leads to increased habitat for Arctic organisms such as polar bears.
Solution
The correct explanation for a positive climate feedback loop found in the Arctic is B. Increased global temperatures lead to decreased sea ice coverage and decreased albedo, which further increases global temperatures.
Here's the step by step explanation:
- Global temperatures increase due to factors such as greenhouse gas emissions.
- This increase in temperature leads to a decrease in sea ice coverage in the Arctic. Sea ice has a high albedo, meaning it reflects a large portion of the sun's energy back into space.
- With less sea ice, there is a decrease in the albedo effect. More of the sun's energy is absorbed by the darker ocean water, rather than being reflected back.
- This absorption of solar energy by the ocean water further increases global temperatures.
- The increased temperatures then lead to even more sea ice melting, continuing the cycle.
This is a positive feedback loop because the effects of the process (melting sea ice) serve to amplify the original cause (increased global temperatures).
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