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Describe the feedback loop involving Arctic snow and ice cover, albedo and temperature. Is it positive or negative?

User SkyzohKey
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Answer: The feedback loop involving Arctic snow and ice cover, albedo, and temperature is a positive feedback loop.

Step-by-step explanation:

Arctic snow and ice cover reflect a significant amount of sunlight back into space, which helps keep the Arctic region cool. This reflective ability is known as albedo. However, as global temperatures increase due to greenhouse gas emissions, Arctic ice and snow begin to melt, reducing the amount of reflective surface and causing more sunlight to be absorbed by the darker ocean water and land, which further amplifies warming. This reduction in albedo leads to an increase in temperature, which in turn leads to more melting of snow and ice, creating a self-reinforcing cycle.

As the Arctic continues to warm, this feedback loop becomes even more pronounced, leading to even more melting and reduced albedo, which leads to even more warming. This process can have significant consequences for global climate, as the Arctic plays an important role in regulating global climate patterns.


Overall, the Arctic snow and ice cover, albedo, and temperature feedback loop is a positive feedback loop, amplifying the initial warming effect caused by greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to further climate change.

User Maxim Manco
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