Ice Caps & Oceans

Front

What is albedo?

Back

Albedo is the measure of how much sunlight is reflected by a surface. A high albedo means more sunlight is reflected, while a low albedo means more sunlight is absorbed.

Front

How do dark surfaces affect temperature?

Back

Dark surfaces absorb more sunlight, leading to an increase in temperature.

Front

What is the impact of melting ice on albedo?

Back

Melting ice reduces albedo, which means less sunlight is reflected and more is absorbed, leading to further warming.

Front

What is the relationship between temperature and ice sheet melting?

Back

As temperature increases, ice sheet melting increases.

Front

How does increased Arctic warming affect global climate patterns?

Back

Increased Arctic warming disrupts global climate patterns, leading to more extreme weather events.

Front

What happens to ocean salinity when ice sheets melt?

Back

Melting ice sheets decrease ocean salinity.

Front

How does decreased ocean salinity affect ocean currents?

Back

Decreased ocean salinity slows down ocean currents.

Front

What is a feedback loop in the context of Earth's systems?

Back

A feedback loop is a process where a change in one part of a system causes changes in another part, which in turn affects the original change.

Front

What is the effect of deforestation on albedo?

Back

Deforestation increases albedo, which can lead to cooling.

Front

What role does vegetation play in carbon dioxide levels?

Back

Increased vegetation absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which can help mitigate warming.