1.15. Water and Carbon Feedback Loops

Question 1

Water cycle positive feedback loop

Answer 1

• Ice reflects radiation from sun
• Less heat absorbed
• Arctic ice shrinking exposing more water
• Less reflection and more absorption of heat from the sun -> albedo
• Water warms and further melts and reduces ice coverage

Question 2

Carbon cycle positive feedback

Answer 2

• Higher temps
• Melts permafrost
• Organic matter in permafrost starts to decompose
• Bacteria involved in decomposition produce co2 and methane
• Gases bubble to the surface and escape to atmosphere

Question 3

Water and carbon cycle feedback loop

Answer 3

• Marine phytoplankton releases chemical substance
• Promotes formation of clouds over oceans
• Increase in phytoplankton populations associated with warmer temps and more sunshine
• Increase in cloudiness and global cooling
• Less sunshine might lead to reduction in amount of phytoplankton
• Reduce cooling effect