Answer: 1. According to the diagram, the immediate changes in the atmosphere as a result of global warming may include an increase in atmospheric temperatures, resulting in the melting of polar ice caps and glaciers, leading to rising sea levels. The increased atmospheric temperatures may also cause changes in precipitation patterns and increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as hurricanes, droughts, and heatwaves.
2. Changes in the ocean as a result of global warming can affect cloud formation by altering the amount and type of water vapor in the atmosphere. Warmer ocean temperatures can cause increased evaporation and increased water vapor in the atmosphere, leading to more cloud formation. Changes in ocean currents and winds can also influence the distribution of clouds across the Earth.
3. Larger clouds can make the Earth warmer by trapping heat close to the surface through the greenhouse effect. Clouds have the ability to trap heat by absorbing longwave radiation emitted by the Earth's surface, making it difficult for the radiation to escape into space. This causes the Earth's temperature to increase. On the other hand, larger clouds can also make the Earth cooler by reflecting incoming solar radiation back into space, preventing it from reaching the Earth's surface and contributing to warming.
4. If the scientists conclude that the greater cloud cover will reflect more incoming solar radiation, then the result will be decreased temperatures on Earth. This is an example of a negative feedback mechanism, as the clouds are cooling the Earth by reflecting more incoming solar radiation back into space.
5. If the scientists conclude that the greater cloud cover will trap heat, then the result will be increased temperatures on Earth. This is an example of a positive feedback mechanism, as the clouds are contributing to warming the Earth by trapping more heat close to the surface through the greenhouse effect.