Positive & negative feedback loops

Question 1

What does feedback mean?

Answer 1

it is an automatic response to changes in a system which disturb a system’s balance or equilibrium

Question 2

What is positive feedback?

Answer 2

when an initial change causes further change away from equilibrium

Question 3

What is negative feedback?

Answer 3

when a change is countered and the system restores back to equilibrium

Question 4

What is an example of positive water cycle feedback?

Answer 4

Increased temps = increased evaporation = more water vapour in atmosphere = more absorption of long wave sun radiation = increased temps

Question 5

What is an example of Negative water cycle feedback?

Answer 5

Increased temps = Evaporation increases = More water vapour in the atmosphere = More cloud cover = Reflects solar
radiation, reducing temperatures

Question 6

What is an example of positive Carbon cycle feedback?

Answer 6

Increased temps = Melts sea ice/snow = Reduces albedo (more sunlight absorbed) = Warming the tundra = permafrost Melting = Releasing stored CO2