Cryosphere- Ice And Climate

Question 1

What is the albedo of fresh snow

Answer 1

75-90%

Question 2

What is the albedo of sea ice

Answer 2

30-40%

Question 3

What is the albedo of land

Answer 3

Less than 30%

Question 4

What does an increase in albedo mean for glaciation

Answer 4

Means more radiation is reflected. Greater potential for temperature lowering, leads to glaciation

Question 5

What does a decrease in albedo mean for glaciation

Answer 5

Means less radiation is reflected back, greater potential for temperature rise which leads to deglaciation

Question 6

Is ice/elevation feedback a +ve or -ve feedback

Answer 6

Positive

Question 7

Is CO2 in the atmosphere higher or lower during glacial periods

Answer 7

Lower because of sea ice cover

Question 8

What is polar amplification

Answer 8

Any change in new radiation balance (eg greenhouse intensification) tends to produce a larger temp change near the poles than anywhere else

Question 9

What can subglacial water do to the velocity of the glacier

Answer 9

Can increase it

Question 10

What is the Greenland ‘zwally effect’

Answer 10

Surface meltwater ponds drain through moulins to the base of the ice so ice velocity increases