Final answer:
Arctic amplification is the phenomenon where the Arctic is warming faster than the rest of the planet, leading to a positive feedback loop of increased solar energy absorption by dark ocean waters, and resulting in various ecological and climatic consequences.
Step-by-step explanation:
Arctic amplification refers to the phenomenon where the Arctic region is warming at a faster rate than the rest of the Earth. This rapid increase in temperature in the Arctic is due, in part, to the melting of sea ice which exposes the darker ocean water that absorbs more solar energy, rather than reflecting it as ice does. This creates a positive feedback loop: as the ice melts, more dark water is exposed, leading to more heat absorption and further warming.
The consequences of Arctic amplification include decreasing sea ice and snow cover, thawing perennially frozen ground, and changes in ecosystems that can lead to shifts in species distributions. Additionally, as global temperatures rise, the increase in heat absorbed by the Arctic waters contributes to the overall warming of the planet, affecting global climate patterns.