Understanding Earth System Feedbacks

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

• A process that amplifies or diminishes changes in a system

• A method to measure the temperature of the Earth

• A way to predict weather patterns

• A technique to map the Earth's surface

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NGSS.HS-ESS2-2

NGSS.HS-ESS3-6

Which of the following is an example of positive feedback in Earth's systems?

• The melting of polar ice reducing the Earth's albedo, leading to more warming

• The growth of vegetation reducing atmospheric CO2 levels

• The water cycle maintaining a balance of precipitation and evaporation

• The formation of clouds reflecting sunlight back into space

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NGSS.HS-ESS2-2

What is equilibrium in a system?

• A state where all processes are accelerating

• A state where inputs and outputs are balanced

• A state where only positive feedback occurs

• A state where energy is constantly increasing

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How does negative feedback affect Earth's systems?

• It amplifies changes, leading to instability

• It diminishes changes, promoting stability

• It has no effect on the system

• It only affects the atmosphere

Which of the following is an example of negative feedback in Earth's systems?

• Increased cloud cover reflecting more sunlight, cooling the Earth

• Ocean acidification due to increased CO2 levels

• Deforestation leading to increased atmospheric CO2

• Melting permafrost releasing methane

What role does the carbon cycle play in Earth's feedback systems?

• It only affects the ocean's salinity

• It acts as a positive feedback loop by increasing atmospheric CO2

• It helps regulate Earth's temperature through carbon sequestration

• It has no impact on Earth's climate

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NGSS.HS-ESS2-6

NGSS.HS-LS2-5

Which of the following best describes a system in dynamic equilibrium?

• A system where all components are static

• A system where changes occur but are balanced by feedback mechanisms

• A system with no feedback mechanisms

• A system that is constantly accelerating

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NGSS.HS-LS2-6

How does the greenhouse effect demonstrate feedback in Earth's systems?

• It is an example of negative feedback that cools the Earth

• It is an example of positive feedback that warms the Earth

• It has no feedback effects

• It only affects the polar regions

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NGSS.HS-ESS2-4

NGSS.HS-ESS2-6

NGSS.HS-ESS3-5

What is the primary difference between positive and negative feedback?

• Positive feedback stabilizes a system, while negative feedback destabilizes it

• Positive feedback amplifies changes, while negative feedback reduces them

• Positive feedback only occurs in the atmosphere, while negative feedback occurs in the oceans

• Positive feedback is always beneficial, while negative feedback is always harmful

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NGSS.HS-LS1-3

Which of the following processes is an example of feedback in the hydrological cycle?

• Evaporation leading to cloud formation and precipitation

• The formation of mountains

• The movement of tectonic plates

• The creation of ocean currents

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4