feedback systems- water, carbon and life on earth

Question 1

snow and ice

Answer 1

-melting snow due to increased temps
-causes albedo effect(less energy reflected so stays in atmosphere)
-causes more warming
POSITIVE FEEDBACK

Question 2

water vapour

Answer 2

-strong greenhouse gas
-as temps increase theres more water vapour evaporating from oceans
-this increases temps so more evaporation
POSITIVE FEEDBACK

Question 3

clouds

Answer 3

-more water vapour in atmosphere=more clouds
-clouds both cool planet(reflect visible light) and warm planet by absorbing heat radiation
POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE FEEDBACK

Question 4

permafrost

Answer 4

increased temps from carbon-causes melting permafrost-this releases carbon- increases amount of carbon in atmosphere
POSITIVE FEEDBACK

Question 5

plant growth

Answer 5

• increased temps-increases growth of plants-carbon absorbed drives photosynthesis-carbon stored in tissues and leaves of plants-reduces amount of carbon- helps reduce surface temps-NEGATIVE FEEDBACK