Question

One problem with our initial calculation of the strength of water vapor feedback in part k is that it does not reflect the additional warming the surface experience due to water vapor feedback calculate the additional radiation flics the surface and troposphere would receive due to the water vapor feedback warming calculated in part k.

a) The additional radiation flux is equal to the water vapor feedback parameter.
b) The additional radiation flux is proportional to the square of the temperature change.
c) The additional radiation flux is calculated as λ+ΔT.
d) The additional radiation flux is calculated as λ⋅ΔT.

Answer 1

The additional radiation flux due to water vapor feedback is calculated as the water vapor feedback parameter times the temperature change (λ⋅ΔT). This accounts for the additional surface warming not reflected in the initial calculation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The initial calculation of the strength of water vapor feedback may have a problem with our initial calculation of the strength of water vapor as it does not reflect the additional warming the surface experience. To calculate the additional radiation flux the surface and troposphere would receive due to water vapor feedback, we should take into account the water vapor feedback parameter (denoted as λ in climate science) and the temperature change (ΔT).

The correct option to determine the additional radiation flux due to water vapor feedback warming is option (d): the additional radiation flux is calculated as λ⋅ΔT. This is because the additional radiation flux due to water vapor feedback is proportional to the change in temperature, and the proportionality constant is the water vapor feedback parameter.