Question

Polar amplification is associated with the shrinkage of Arctic sea ice. The ice loss leads to warming and continued ice loss. This ice-albedo feedback is a __________ feedback.

a) Positive
b) Negative
c) Neutral
d) Oscillatory

Answer 1

The ice-albedo feedback associated with the shrinkage of Arctic sea ice is a positive feedback loop, where the melting of ice leads to further warming and more ice loss, amplifying the initial effect.

Step-by-step explanation:

The ice-albedo feedback is positive feedback. In the context of Arctic sea ice, the mechanism works as follows: as the ice melts due to warming, it reveals the darker ocean surface underneath.

The open water absorbs more solar energy than the reflective ice, leading to further warming and additional ice loss. This cycle of warming and ice loss accelerates the rate of climate change and is a classic example of a positive feedback loop within Earth's climate system, pushing temperatures further away from the norm.