Question

Consider the continent of Greenland, which is located at high latitudes and is covered to a depth of thousands of feet by glaciers. Given these facts, which of the following is true regarding its energy budget?

A) The + SW (insolation) term is large.
B) The - SW (albedo) term is large.
C) The + LW (incoming longwave infrared energy) term is small.
D) both A and B
E) both B and C

Answer 1

The + SW (insolation) term is large, the - SW (albedo) term is large, and the + LW (incoming longwave infrared energy) term is small in Greenland's energy budget.

Step-by-step explanation:

Given that Greenland is located at high latitudes and is covered by thick glaciers, the following is true regarding its energy budget:

1. The + SW (insolation) term is large because the high latitudes receive less direct sunlight due to the low sun angles.
2. The - SW (albedo) term is large because the ice and snow in Greenland reflect a significant portion of the incoming sunlight.
3. The + LW (incoming longwave infrared energy) term is small because at high latitudes, there is less incoming longwave infrared energy.

Therefore, the correct answer is option E) both B and C.