Water, Carbon and Climate

Question 1

Give an example of positive feedback in the water cycle

Answer 1

Temp rises -> Evaporation rises -> Water vapour in atmosphere rises -> Greenhouse effect rises -> Temp rises

Question 2

Give an example of negative feedback in the water cycle

Answer 2

Temp rises -> Evaporation rises -> Water vapour in atmosphere rises -> Cloud formation rises -> More cloud cover = more sunlight reflected into space -> Temp decreases

Question 3

Give an example of positive feedback in the carbon cycle

Answer 3

Temp rises -> Plant respiration rises -> CO2 in atmosphere rises -> Greenhouse effect rises -> Temp rises

Question 4

Give an example of negative feedback in the carbon cycle

Answer 4

CO2 in atmosphere rises -> More CO2 = More plant growth -> More photosynthesis -> CO2 in atmosphere reduces